Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (June 6, 2019) — The community is invited to give blood in memory of Kristin Kanzelberger at a special American Red Cross blood drive Monday, June 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sheboygan Lutheran High School, 3323 University Dr., in Sheboygan.
In Sept. 2018, Kristin was diagnosed with triple negative stage four incurable breast cancer. In Nov. 2018, she received another cancer diagnosis with stage four incurable gastric stomach cancer. During her five-month battle with cancer, blood transfusions were often required. Kristin’s cancer journey required chemotherapy prolonging her life until she passed in Jan. 2019.
“The blood transfusions she received literally saved her life,” said Kathy VanDeKreeke, Kristin’s mother. “She was in critical condition. If the blood had not been available for her, she would not have been able to share her story or have more time with her husband, six step children and extended family.”
The Sheboygan Community Blood Drive is a first-time drive in memory of Kristin Kanzelberger. This blood drive will be sponsored by the GFWC Women’s Club held at Sheboygan Lutheran High School. The drive will establish a Red Cross scholarship in Kristin’s name.
Kristin was an alumna of Sheboygan Lutheran High School and was actively involved in the GFWC Women’s Club. Kristin was known as having big dreams, a sparkling personality, all while sharing compassion with others.
“Hosting this blood drive in her name is a wonderful way to honor Kristin and help patients in need,” said Lizzie Gill, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross Badger Hawkeye Blood Services Region. “We hope to see a lot of the community come out to donate and help supply blood products to the Red Cross.”
Donated blood may be used to help accident victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. There is no substitute for donated blood products.
Every day, the Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood donations to meet the needs of hospital patients across the country. Blood donors of all types are needed. Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.
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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.