Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Blake Simmons was only two weeks old when his parents found out he had non-compaction cardiomyopathy and would need a heart transplant. Like other organ transplant patients, Blake needed blood transfusions during his surgery.
Today, Blake is four years old and thriving, but doctors say he will need another heart transplant during his life. In addition, Blake has muscular dystrophy.
Blake’s parents, Tracey Purdy and Dean Simmons, are hosting a special blood drive in Blake’s honor to ensure blood is available for patients who may need it. They’ve teamed up with Belhurst Castle where Red Cross blood drives have been held for over ten years.
Blood and platelet donors of all types are needed to help ensure blood products are available for patients now and into the summer. Blood and platelet donations often decline when regular donors are vacationing and schools are out of session. Donors are asked to commit to give in the weeks leading up to and during the summer to help alleviate this seasonal decline.
Donate Blood in Honor of Blake Simmons
Tuesday, May 30
1 p.m.- 7 p.m.
Belhurst Castle
4069 Route 14 South, Geneva
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Use sponsor code BELHURSTCASTLEGENEVA.
Presenting donors are eligible to receive a Red Cross visor.
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 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.
###