New virtual blood drive program helps Vitalant
blood donors multiply their impact
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.,
Sept. 9,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 25% of the U.S.
blood supply is needed by patients battling cancer. This September,
during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Blood Cancer Awareness
Month, nonprofit Vitalant urges all eligible donors to help
maintain a robust blood supply for patients who need transfusions
by giving blood.
Blood and platelet transfusions from healthy blood donors can
help replace the blood cells destroyed by cancer and its treatment.
In the U.S., leukemia is the most common type of blood cancer among
those under age 20.
Six-year-old Tanner Bradtke has
been sidelined from soccer since he was diagnosed with leukemia in
April. The first-grader has been in and out of the hospital four
times and received eight transfusions over the course of his
treatment.
"We notice a big difference when Tanner gets a blood
transfusion," said Samantha Bradtke,
Tanner's mom. "He gets his color back and has a better appetite!
Tanner also tells us he doesn't feel as wobbly. So, we know he's
not feeling so dizzy. Platelet transfusions also help prevent his
gums from bleeding, which protects him from getting sick. It's hard
to imagine what would happen if these blood donations were not
readily available." (Read more about Tanner's battle.)
Host a Virtual Blood Drive
Giving blood or platelets
is just one way to help patients like Tanner. Hosting a blood drive
can empower a community to save lives. Creating a virtual blood
drive allows friends and family all over the country to rally
around the cause. Starting a virtual blood drive is simple: visit
vbd.vitalant.org and within minutes you can start spreading the
word, saving lives and watching the impact of your efforts add
up.
Give Blood
Blood donors are needed every day to
replenish what a patient in the U.S. needs every two seconds. Most
people are eligible to donate.. Review eligibility requirements and
make an appointment to give by visiting vitalant.org, download and
use the Vitalant blood donor app or call 877-25-VITAL
(877-258-4825).
About Vitalant
Vitalant (Vye-TAL-ent) is one of the
nation's largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare
organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a
safe blood supply, specialized laboratory services, transfusion
medicine expertise and world-renowned research. Individuals
generously donating blood, volunteering and giving financially are
essential to our lifesaving mission. Learn more at
vitalant.org.
Vitalant Contact: 480-675-5413
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SOURCE Vitalant