Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
RICHMOND, Va. (August 18, 2016) — The RVA community is invited to join the family and friends of Callen Tyson to help save lives by donating blood through the American Red Cross on Tuesday, August 23 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital (drive located in the auditorium and room 163).
Callen was diagnosed with leukemia on March 13, 2014 when he was just four-years-old. Over the past two years, he’s required mulitple transfusions of blood and platelets due to the effects of cancer and chemotherapy on his bone marrow. He’s also endured countless blood infusions as part of his treatment. He has completed nearly half of his three year treatment plan. Those who know Callen describe him as a fighter who inspires everyone around him. The group of generous donors who have rallied by his side have donated 925 pints collectively since October of 2014; this year they aim to cross the 1000th pint mark.
“Words can’t begin to express the gratitude I feel seeing how the community supports our son,” said Katie Tyson, Callen’s mother. “Hosting these blood drives has been our way of supporting not only Callen, but also other families experencing the critical need for blood.”
In appreciation for helping to save lives, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross now through Aug. 31 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. All blood types are needed.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American 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 (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.
Blood donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. 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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.