Red Cross blood drive held for Greenfield mother battling cancer

More donations needed in wake of Hurricane Florence

GREENFIELD, Ind. (Sept. 19, 2018) — The community is invited to give blood in honor of Anna Gwinnup at a special American Red Cross blood drive held in her name Saturday, Sept. 29, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Indiana Elks Association in Greenfield.  

Anna is a loving wife, mother and grandmother who serves as Chaplin at Greenfield Elks. In September 2017 she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer, which rapidly advanced to stage two within weeks. As part of her treatment she underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and multiple surgeries which required blood products. Today Anna is still receiving treatments.

Anna recalls her months of early treatment were challenging. “Skin changes, obvious nausea and sickness, weight loss and then weight gain from steroids and the emotional part of it. It really hits you everywhere,” said Anna. “But I truly had such a great support group.”

During this time, while Anna battled her cancer, her cousin also battled stage four breast cancer and Anna’s mother passed away due to an illness. “It’s been one heck of a year!” said Anna. “But it has made me stronger in so many ways.”

Anna recognizes the important role blood donors have played in her treatment. “I want to raise awareness about the need for blood to treat those with cancer,” said Anna. “I know without advancements in research and medicine, my story would be so different. We are surviving this terrible disease.”

“Hosting this blood drive in her name is a wonderful way to honor Anna and potentially help others with cancer,” said Sally Fox, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross. 

This blood drive comes as parts of the Southeast U.S. are being affected by Hurricane Florence, with more than 170 blood drives being cancelled, resulting in over 4,600 uncollected blood and platelet donations. The Red Cross encourages blood and platelet donations in parts of the country unaffected by the storm to help ensure a sufficient blood supply. Platelet and type O positive blood donations are critically needed right now. 

Every two seconds in the United States blood is 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, including 80 hospitals in Indiana.

Blood Drive in honor of Anna Gwinnup

Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018

9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Indiana Elks Association

820 S. State St., Greenfield, IN 46140

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 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 CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.