Community holds special blood drive Nov. 6 in honor of two blood recipients
Six-year-old cancer free following kidney cancer; father of two cancer free following leukemia
CHILLICOTHE, Ill. (Oct. 16, 2018) — The Chillicothe Christian Church is inviting all eligible donors to donate blood in honor of 6-year-old Kacer Holloway and in honor of Glenn Waterfield at a special American Red Cross blood drive Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Chillicothe Christian Church, 510 Frances St., in Chillicothe.
Kacer was only 2-years-old when diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumor, a form of kidney cancer. Four years later, following aggressive chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, he is now cancer free.
“Our community has been so supportive,” said Danielle Holloway, Kacer’s mother. “We would now like to give back by helping to ensure blood is available for patients who need it.”
Glenn Waterfield, husband, father of two and employee at Caterpillar also knows the importance of having blood products on the shelf. Nearly two years ago, Glenn was diagnosed with AML, also known as Acute Myeloid Leukemia and received a bone marrow transplant. Now cancer free he recalls his tremendous need for blood products. “I was transfusion dependent for months,” said Glenn. “I would be dead if it was not for blood donors”.
This is the fourth year the church has been hosting a blood drive. More than 100 donations have been collected since its inception. This blood drive is anticipated to collect nearly 40 lifesaving donations in celebration for these two recipients.
“Having a blood drive to honor these two recipients is a great way to have the community come together and raise awareness for the constant need for blood products,” said Caleb Liggin, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross Heart of America Blood Services Region.
Every two seconds in the United States blood and platelets are needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide.
How to donate blood
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
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, or visit us on CruzRojaAmericana.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.