Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 25, 2018) — The community is invited to give blood in honor of Troy Stemen at a special American Red Cross blood drive held in his name Friday, May 18, from 2 to 8 p.m. at St. Agatha Church in Upper Arlington.
Troy, a 16-year-old sophomore at Bishop Watterson High School, loves sports and computer games. He is known for his upbeat, positive attitude, and he has become a strong fighter. In May 2017 he was diagnosed with leukemia. Troy has received blood transfusions during his treatment and may need more.
This is the second blood drive organized in Troy’s honor. The first drive, held at Northwest Chapel – Grace Brethren Church on March 18 resulted in 16 blood donations. This blood drive has a goal to collect 42 lifesaving donations.
Troy’s family and friends are organizing this blood drive in his name to raise awareness about how important blood donors are in the treatment of cancer. “We hope all people who have been affected by cancer will donate at this blood drive,” said Peigi Fisher-Hanson, a friend of the Stemen family. “There is a strong community here in our schools and many who want to see Troy and others find a cure.”
“Giving blood in Troy’s name is a wonderful way to honor him and potentially help others with his condition,” said Cat Elkins, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross. “People need blood every day for various reasons and we take for granted it will be there. Giving now is a way to help those who will need it in the days to come.”
Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide.
Donate Blood in honor of Troy Stemen
Friday, May 18, 2018
2 to 8 p.m.
St. Agatha Church Parish Hall
1860 Northam Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
Sponsor code: StAgatha
The Red Cross needs donors of all blood types to help ensure a sufficient supply for patients. All those who come to donate May 1 to August 31 in the Central Ohio Region will receive a coupon for buy one get one free entry to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and be entered into a weekly drawing for four tickets to Zoombezi Bay through July 31.
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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
Volunteers needed
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver.
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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.