Donate Blood on July 15 in Lansdale - Save Lives While Helping Two Local Organizations Carry Out Their Work This Summer!

The Carol H. Axelrod Memorial Blood Drive will take place on Wednesday, July 15, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Clubhouse at the Reserve at Gwynedd (301 Primrose Drive, Lansdale) and will give donors an easy opportunity to help save lives while also supporting two important local organizations.

For every unit of blood collected, Axelrod’s family will make contributions to support Manna on Main Street, which is committed to ending hunger in the North Penn region, and Mitzvah Circle Foundation, which addresses critical needs of individuals and families by providing them with appropriate material support. Through this “Community CHAllenge,” if the blood drive collection surpasses last year’s total of 58 units, the family will double their donations to these groups. To schedule an appointment, visit http://www.chablooddrive.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (mention sponsor code “CHAMemorial”).

All presenting donors at the blood drive will receive a gift bag and free entry into a prize drawing. Appointments are available at 15-minute intervals.

Every unit of donated blood can be separated into components that can be given to as many as three patients, meaning that one donor can help save three lives. The summer months represent a critical time for blood collection, as donations tend to decrease while demand increases.

The “Community CHAllenge” issued by Axelrod’s family will help two local organizations carry out their important work. Manna on Main Street serves those in need by providing food, fulfilling social service and education needs, and conducting community outreach. Mitzvah Circle Foundation uses individual assessment to provide items such as clothing, shoes, diapers, school supplies, and toiletries directly to people who need them.

In 2003, Carol H. Axelrod, an elementary-school teacher, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer of the blood and bone marrow that has no known cause. During her treatment for the disease, she became dependent on regular transfusions of blood and platelets. The transfusions she received allowed her to enjoy good quality of life and gave her family the gift of more time with her. After Axelrod died, her family started the blood drive as a way of giving the same gift to other families. Their blood drive has since grown to multiple locations throughout the year. This will be their third annual blood drive in Lansdale.