Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
GREENCASTLE, Ind. — The community is invited to give blood in memory of Stephanie Hunter at a special American Red Cross blood drive held in her name Sunday, Jan. 6, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Gobin United Methodist Church in Greencastle.
As a former Greencastle resident, Stephanie was known for her love of children, gentle spirit and willingness to help others. In September 2018 she was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) which developed into acute myeloid leukemia (AML). After a brief period of fighting the disease she passed away Oct. 29, 2018. Blood products are critical for those being treated for cancer.
Stephanie’s church family invites the community to give blood in her honor to help others battling cancer.
“I have seen firsthand how important the gift of blood can be to a patient’s quality of life,” said Leslie Hanson, Stephanie’s friend. “We want to see the entire community come give blood to honor Stephanie.”
“Stephanie is a reminder that we never know who may end up needing blood transfusions,” said Sandra Ryden, donor recruitment manager for the Red Cross. “When someone we know has cancer we often wonder what we can do to help. Giving blood is a wonderful way to give back that can literally help save the lives of those being treated for cancer.”
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces a seasonal decline in blood donations, when donors become busy with family gatherings and holiday travel. Blood and platelet donors are urgently needed to give now to ensure patient needs are met in the coming weeks. In thanks, those who come to give Dec. 20 through Jan. 6 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
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.
Donate Blood in memory of Stephanie Hunter
Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Gobin United Methodist Church
307 Simpson St., Greencastle, IN 46135
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.