Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
EAST PEORIA, Ill. (Aug. 12, 2020) — The community is invited to give blood in honor of Karly and Shayla at a special American Red Cross blood drive held in their names Saturday, Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn and Suites, 101 Holiday St., in East Peoria.
Karly Rathbun and Shayla Schielein, both 11 years old, met three years ago while undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Both girls finished cancer treatment within the last year and required blood products.
After learning the Red Cross needed blood, these girls wanted to give back and help make sure that blood is there for future patients in need.
“We are calling family, friends, the community and anyone who loves to make a difference to come out and donate blood,” said April Rathbun, Karly’s mother.
2019 was the first year the blood drive was held in the girl’s honor and to date 60 lifesaving donations have been collected.
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross has a constant need for all blood products. The Red Cross is now testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies for a limited time, providing donors insight into whether they have been exposed to this coronavirus. Donors who help support the urgent need by giving at this drive will be able to view their results 7-10 days after donation through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or at RedCrossBlood.org.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to protect the health of all those in attendance.
“There are so many reasons why someone may need blood that we don’t even realize,” said Caleb Liggin, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross. “We take for granted that blood will be there at the hospital when we need it, but it can only come from generous volunteer donors. Giving blood in Karly’s and Shayla’s name is a wonderful way to honor these sweet girls and potentially help others with their condition.”
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, schedule online, call 1-800-RED CROSS or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.