Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Hannah Soderstrom is a happy 14-year-old Maize Junior High School student who loves dance and theater. Unlike others her age, Hannah is also a blood recipient, having received more than 10 transfusions during recent treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
An American Red Cross blood drive has been scheduled in Hannah’s honor to help make sure blood is available for patients in need. The community is invited to donate Feb. 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the United Methodist Church, 208 E. Central St.
According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, each year approximately 15,700 children will be diagnosed with cancer.
“I know from experience that many of the children undergoing cancer treatments need transfusions,” said Scott Soderstrom, Hannah’s father. “It’s been a real emotional roller coaster since Hannah’s diagnosis in October 2016. One thing I do know is that having blood readily available is important in helping kids fighting cancer. My family and I invite the community to attend this drive and donate blood in honor of my daughter and all others who need blood.”
The Red Cross urges blood donors to make an appointment to give this winter so that patients can continue to receive lifesaving treatments. To donate at the drive in honor of Hannah, make an appointment by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use the sponsor code MaizeKS.
How to donate blood
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 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.
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