Blood Donations Urged During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

The following was provided to Patch by Miller-Keystone Blood Center:

Miller-Keystone Blood Center is encouraging individuals to Give for the Gold in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness!

“Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15,” says Marie Clemens, Corporate Director of Communications, noting that more than 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer worldwide each year. “Volunteer blood donors save lives because they are helping replace red cells, platelets and plasma that are often transfused in children with cancer.”

Sean Tinney, Director of Marketing, explains that children with cancer may not be able to make enough healthy new blood cells, and low blood cells counts can be a side-effect of cancer treatment.

“Many drugs used during chemotherapy can slow down blood cell production,” says Tinney, “and some cancer treatments cause a loss of platelets, which may potentially lead to life-threatening hemorrhages.”

To honor the courageous battle faced by so many, Miller-Keystone Blood Center is encouraging individuals to donate during the month of September, which is recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

“We’re suggesting that donors wear something gold when they donate blood, and share with everyone by posting photos on Facebook or Twitter, either tagging Miller-Keystone Blood Center or using the #MKBCdonate hashtag,” Tinney adds.

For more information or to schedule a donation, call 800-B-A-DONOR (223-6667) or visit GIVEaPINT.org .