Cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, surgery, or treatment for complications. This month, the Indiana Red Cross is partnering with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Michigan-Indiana Region to host a blood drive. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, approximately every 3 minutes, a person in the United States is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma.

“Cancer patients use nearly one quarter of the nation’s blood supply,” said Julie Brady, regional donor services executive for the Red Cross. “Your blood donation plays a vital role and can help strengthen these patients’ ability to keep battling.”

The community is invited to donate blood to help those with cancer and many others who need blood on Wednesday, June 26 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Fort Wayne Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center, 1212 E California Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825. As a thank you, presenting donors will receive an American Red Cross t-shirt and a swag bag from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code LLSIN or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

“We are very excited to be partnering with the Red Cross. Our blood cancer patients, and anyone else in need, will directly benefit from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the Red Cross collaborating in this way,” said Mary Green, campaign development specialist with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. “We cannot cure blood cancer without blood, so we hope everyone considers donating.”

Healthy individuals are needed every day to maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in need. Eligible donors with types O, B negative or A negative blood are also encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.

About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:
The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its six chapters: Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). 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 us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @indianaredcross.