Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give the gift of life
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[December
05, 2013]
PEORIA — The holiday season
is here, and with it comes the exchange of gifts among family and friends.
For many hospital patients, one gift on their wish list can't be found at
stores: a blood donation. |
Blood donations could be the gift of life to people like Lauren
McCrary, who was immediately hospitalized after being diagnosed with
acute myeloid leukemia. She received more than 140 blood and
platelet transfusions. Now in remission, she serves as the blood
drive coordinator at the high school where she works.
"I can never
repay the donors who helped save my life, but I can remind others
that giving blood is truly the gift that means something," McCrary
said. "The blood I received has helped me celebrate more holiday
seasons with my family."
The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give what
could be the most meaningful gift of the season to someone.
Upcoming blood donation opportunity in Logan County:
- Wednesday, Dec. 18, noon to 5 p.m., at the Lincoln Sports Complex, 1400
Primm Road in Lincoln
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit
www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more
information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply
for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other
forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who
are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh
at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible
to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of
age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight
requirements.
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