Donate Blood This Month To Support Cancer Patients, Others In Need

News from the American Red Cross:

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support cancer patients and others needing blood products.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S., with one in eight developing invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, mastectomy surgery or treatment of complications.

Blood donor Mary Thorngate Hall is one such example. She was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2010.

“I began treatment (with) my first round of chemotherapy lasting six hours. My body did not tolerate it, and I began to hemorrhage,” she said. “I needed blood to survive. I cannot express my gratitude to the people who donated their lifesaving blood.”

Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those needing transfusions. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative, A negative and AB blood.

To make an appointment to donate blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores or text BLOODAPP to 90999 to receive a download link, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

American Red Cross Blood Donation Center:

San Jose Blood Donation Center

2731 N. First St., San Jose

Monday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Additional blood donation opportunities:

Los Altos

10/16/2015: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1715 Grant Rd.

Morgan Hill

10/21/2015: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Anritsu Company, 490 Jarvis Dr.

San Jose

10/17/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Harley Davidson, 1551 Parkmoor Ave.

10/17/2015: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Dwell Christian Church, 1292 Minnesota Ave.

10/21/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Good Samaritan Hospital, 2425 Samaritan Dr.

10/23/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., KIPP Collegiate School, 1790 Educational Park Dr.

Santa Clara

10/20/2015: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Santa Clara University, Benson Hall, 500 El Camino Real

10/28/2015: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Main Building at Mission College, 3000 Mission College Blvd.

10/31/2015: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Illusive Comics & Games, 2725 El Camino Real, Suite 105

Saratoga

10/23/2015: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Saratoga Federated Church, 20390 Park Place

Sunnyvale

10/19/2015: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., SC Builders Inc., 910 Thompson Place

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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

For more information, please visit redcross.org.

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