Donate Blood in Bethel to Support Cancer Patients and Others

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the American Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to donate 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. One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, mastectomy, lumpectomy surgery, during treatments or complications.

Blood donor Mary Thorngate Hall is an 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 who need blood 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).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Fairfield County Donor Center

• 596 Westport Ave, Norwalk
• Tuesdays: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Thursdays: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Saturdays: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Bethel

11/19/2015: 7:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Bethel High School, 300 Whittlesey Drive

Brookfield

• 10/29/2015: 1:45 p.m. - 7 p.m., Congregational Church of Brookfield, 160 Whisconier Road

Fairfield

• 10/26/2015: 11 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Fairfield University Student Center, North Benson Road
• 10/27/2015: 11 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road
• 10/31/2015: 8 a.m. - 1:15 p.m., Trinity St. Michael’s Church, 554 Tunxis Hill Road

Newtown

• 10/29/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Newtown Municipal, 3 Primrose Street

Ridgefield

• 10/22/2015: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Ridgefield Park & Recreation Center, 195 Danbury Rd.

Sherman

• 10/31/2015: 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Church, Route 37 and 39

Stamford

• 10/28/2015: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., UCONN, One University Place
• 10/31/2015: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., St Cecilia Catholic Church, 1184 Newfield Ave.

Trumbull

• 10/30/2015: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Trumbull YMCA, 20 Trefoil Drive

CLICK HERE for a more upcoming blood drive locations in your area.

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.

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.