Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
On July 18, the Beloit community can celebrate the continued good health of 4-year-old Keller King by giving blood and helping avoid a summer shortage. Keller enjoys trucks, sports and wrestling with his brother. Keller is also a blood recipient.
In February 2014, after receiving a diagnosis of stage 1 Wilms tumor on his left kidney, Keller needed a blood transfusion before surgeons could operate to remove the tumor. Following the transfusion, doctors successfully removed the tumor and his left kidney. Keller then completed six months of chemotherapy and remains cancer free after more than three years.
“We are so grateful that Keller continues to do well and we are indebted to those who gave the blood our son received,” said Jerica King, Keller’s mother. “Keller still visits his doctors every six months and knows more about medical tools and procedures than most adults. He says he wants to be a doctor when he grows up so he can help people.”
Donate blood in honor of Keller King
July 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
NCKS Wellness Center Gym
3033 US Highway 24
Jerica King continues, “Hosting this drive in Keller’s name gives our family a way to remind the Beloit community to give blood this summer.”
Only about 3 percent of the U.S. population gives blood, which means a heavy reliance on repeat donors to maintain a sufficient blood supply. New blood donors are especially needed during the summer months because many schools where blood drives are held – and where new donors give – are not in session, and current donors often delay giving due to summer vacations.
To make an appointment for the blood drive honoring Keller King, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code Beloit.
How to donate blood
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 Kansas), 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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