Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
GLENSIDE, Pa. (May 4, 2018) — The American Red Cross invites eligible blood donors to join Lou’s Life Savers for a community blood drive on Thursday, May 24 in Glenside. The drive honors the memory of Louis (Lou) Kessler, who lost his battle with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a cancer that affects the bone marrow, on April 26, 2017 at age 64.
During his 19-month battle, Lou received 56 units of blood and 68 units of platelets as part of his treatment at Abington Hospital.
“My dad was so grateful to the doctors and nurses from Abington Hospital who took care of him and for the blood products that prolonged his life,” shared Kimberly Martin, Lou’s daughter. “The blood products he received throughout his illness gave us precious time with him, for which we will be forever grateful.”
To give back, Lou’s family will host a community blood drive on Thursday, May 24 at St. Luke the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, located at 2316 Fairhill Ave. in Glenside, from 1:30-6:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment to donate, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code louslifesavers or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
“This blood drive is a small way for us to raise awareness about how valuable blood donation is and what a difference it can make in someone’s life,” said Martin.
According to his family, Lou enjoyed the simple things in life, and he never took anything for granted. He loved spending time with his wife of 42 years, his two children and eight grandchildren. He liked to travel and enjoyed spending time on the beach, playing chess and watching sports. Lou was a beloved youth baseball, soccer and basketball coach, influencing and inspiring hundreds of kids from the Juniata Park section of Philadelphia, where he lived for 28 years. After moving to Glenside in 2003, he quickly became a fixture in every gym and field, cheering on his grandchildren in their various sporting endeavors.
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 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 must 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 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.