Red Cross offers new opportunity to save lives in Chester County

By Dave Skutnik

Exterior of the new American Red Cross Blood Donation Center in West Chester. Photo by Dave Skutnik / American Red Cross

People wanting to make a lifesaving difference in Chester County have the chance to donate blood and platelets at a new West Chester American Red Cross Blood Donation Center. The new donation center is now collecting blood and platelet donations for patients, such as those battling cancer, accident victims, transplant recipients and those living with sickle cell disease.

The new blood donation center is located at 1065 Andrew Drive. When turning into the parking lot, donors should turn left and head around the left side of the building. Parking and the entrance are both located in the rear. This new donor center replaces the location previously open on Gay Street.

Opening day Collections staff and management at the new West Chester Blood Donation Center on June 14, 2024. Photo by Dave Skutnik / American Red Cross

Having a readily available blood supply is vital for patients whose survival depends on transfusions.

“From mothers experiencing childbirth complications to those facing trauma situations in the emergency room, many of us may be connected to someone who has relied on lifesaving blood products,” said Jennifer Graham, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania. “The Red Cross is pleased to offer donors this new opportunity to help provide hope, healing and access to treatment for patients in need.”

Platelet donor Mike Erdlen was the first through the doors of the new West Chester Blood Donation Center on June 14, 2024. Photo by Dave Skutnik / American Red Cross

Donating blood is essential to community health, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need. By making an appointment to give blood or platelets at the West Chester American Red Cross Blood Donation Center, donors can feel good knowing that they may be helping patients not only in their community, but also their family and friends across the nation.

“Big, bright and beautiful,” is how platelet donor Mike Erdlen described the new West Chester Blood Donation Center. He was the first donor to walk through the doors of the new center when it opened on Friday, June 14, 2024. June 14 was also World Blood Donor Day, a day to thank voluntary blood donors for their lifesaving gifts. The Red Cross thanks donors like Mike, who has made more than 350 donations in his lifetime. Mike makes the trip from Newtown Square to West Chester for his regular appointments and is excited that the open space offers the chance “to see all the great staff and volunteers here.”

Platelet donor Dianne McNally was among the first to donate at the new West Chester Blood Donation Center on June 14, 2024. Photo by Dave Skutnik / American Red Cross

Platelet donor Dianne McNally of Paoli was surprised and excited to hear that she was one of the first to arrive at the new donation center on June 14. “It was easy to get to. It’s beautiful. Everything is going very smooth,” said Dianne, who has been donating blood for more than 20 years.

Platelets are the clotting portion of blood and are needed for many reasons, but they are primarily given to cancer patients. These tiny cells have a very short shelf life – just five days from the time they are donated – so there is a constant, often critical, need for new and current donors to give to keep up with hospital demand for platelets.

In addition to the West Chester Blood Donation Center, individuals will also continue to be able to give blood at Red Cross blood drives across Chester County.

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Slideshow of West Chester Blood Donation Center interior. Photos by Dave Skutnik / American Red Cross

World Blood Donor Day: Generosity and gratitude motivate Michelle Levy to ‘pay it forward’

Editor’s Note: Each year on June 14, the American Red Cross joins the World Health Organization (WHO) and blood collection organizations around the world to celebrate World Blood Donor Day. In its 20th year, the day provides an opportunity to thank blood donors across the world for their life-saving donations over the years and honor the profound impact on both patients and donors.

Dan and Michelle Levy with their daughters Brooke and Marissa. Submitted photo

By Maureen Zug

Several weeks ago, I met Michelle Levy, whose husband Dan was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, a highly unusual cancer for someone in their early 40s. Michelle is on a mission to “pay it forward” by giving blood herself and encouraging others to donate.

While many patients are not diagnosed until they are well in the advanced stages of the disease, Dan was fortunate that the same gastroenterologist who treats his celiac disease caught the cancer early. At the time of his diagnosis, his young daughters were ages 6 and 3.

Treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic

A course of cancer treatment for anyone is fraught with uncertainty and stressors on family life.  Michelle characterized Dan as a “loving, nurturing, supportive, person” in his roles as father to their daughters, great husband and dedicated educator to his grades 3 and 4 special education students.

Dan was diagnosed just prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and started his treatments in January 2020.  He alternated his treatment sessions between Doylestown Hospital and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Due to pandemic restrictions, Dan sadly spent many of his treatments and hospital stays alone.  Michelle and the girls were limited in the interactions that they could have with the outside world due to Dan’s suppressed immune system.

Dan underwent chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.  The stem cell transplant was done using his own processed cells.  However, the blood, plasma and platelet components that Dan received during his treatment came from generous blood donors who rolled up a sleeve to give at mobile blood drives and Red Cross blood donation centers. Blood components are essential to the treatment of cancer patients and are a life-giving gift!

Michelle’s hope for the future and an important message

As is the case surrounding most cancers, the first remission is the most important with swift movements of gains in cancer research and medical technology.   While Dan’s cancer is currently in remission, mantel cell lymphoma is currently classified as incurable and can reoccur, requiring intensive treatment. Michelle, Dan and their daughters, now ages 10 and 7, remain hopeful that Dan will remain in good health.

Michelle encourages all those who are healthy and able to donate blood. “Even if you do not have money to donate, you can still be philanthropic by donating blood,” she said, adding that the Red Cross has great after-donation snacks! She describes her “intentional, philanthropic” motivations for donating blood to the Red Cross as “paying it forward” on behalf of her husband, who is unable to donate. As a Human Resource Manager in her workplace of more than 1,000 employees, she is spreading the word of the value of donating blood.

All Red Cross blood donors are notified of where their blood donation is sent.  Michelle recently found out that her latest donation went to West Virginia, where it was most needed.  She liked the human connection that this message carried with it.

In closing out our chat, I thanked Michelle for sharing her family’s Red Cross story.  It certainly was inspirational!  I hope that she has motivated you, too, to become a blood donor. It does not take much to be hero to a patient.

To schedule an appointment to donate, visit RedCrossBlood,org, call 1-800-REDCROSS or download our free Blood Donor App.

Jennifer Roach-Dixon honors her mother’s legacy by donating platelets

By Yesh Kane

Jennifer Roach-Dixon. Submitted photo

Blood donation is a selfless act that has the power to save lives and bring hope to those in need. Many individuals are inspired to donate blood due to personal experiences or the desire to make a positive impact.

Meet Philadelphian Jennifer Roach-Dixon, a pastry chef by profession who is also a passionate platelet donor and hopes to motivate others to embark on this immensely satisfying endeavor.

Jennifer’s motivation to make her first blood donation stemmed from her mother’s challenging battle with dialysis in the final years of her life. Witnessing her mother’s dislike for needles and being attached to a machine deeply impacted Jennifer. Inspired by her mother’s spirit of helping others, she found solace in donating platelets, giving her a unique opportunity to honor her mother’s memory. Jennifer also competes on a women’s dragon boating team in Philadelphia with an entire crew made up of breast cancer survivors on the team, which gives her another emotional link to platelet donation.

For Jennifer, donating platelets fulfills her desire to help those in need and offers a profound sense of connection to her late mother. Sitting beside her mother during dialysis, Jennifer experienced the struggle firsthand. By donating platelets, she feels a deep closeness to her mother, as the aphaeresis machine becomes a symbolic link between them. It is a way for Jennifer to remember her mother’s strength and compassion while carrying on her legacy.

Jennifer openly admits that she feared needles, initially hindering her from becoming a blood donor. However, she confronted her fear head-on, inspired by her mother’s resilience and generosity. Jennifer began her blood donation journey by donating whole blood, gradually working her way up to platelets. Her determination and willingness to step out of her comfort zone exemplify the transformative power of overcoming personal obstacles.

When asked what advice she would give to someone considering blood donation for the first time, Jennifer emphasizes that it is not as scary or painful as one might think. Drawing from her own experience, she assures potential donors that the process becomes easier with each donation. Jennifer encourages people to embark on this immensely satisfying journey. She highlights the joy of using the Red Cross app to discover exactly where their blood has been utilized, allowing donors to witness their tangible impact on someone’s life.

In her own words, “We are so fortunate in this country to have life-saving blood available to us in an emergency, no questions asked. My hope is that everyone feels compelled to contribute to this incredible system, because keeping it running is the least we can do for each other and for our future selves.”

Jennifer’s story is a testament to the transformative power of blood donation and the impactful associations it can create. Through her journey, she has found comfort, strength, and a way to honor her mother’s memory. By sharing her experiences, Jennifer hopes to inspire others to join the cause, emphasizing the immense satisfaction of helping others and the ability to make a tangible difference in someone’s life. The gift of blood donation not only saves lives but also allows us to carry forward the legacies of our loved ones, creating a lasting impact that transcends time.

Red Cross Blood and Platelet Shortage

The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave blood this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there’s an emergency need for type O blood donors, as well as platelet donors. More donors are needed now to ensure patients at hospitals across the country continue to receive critical medical care.    Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Donating blood and platelets is part of an active lifestyle for T’Sean Laws

By Sadiyyah Young

T’Sean Laws kept up with his blood and platelet donations while training for the Philadelphia and Chicago marathons last year! Submitted photo.

Sept. 28th is recognized as National Good Neighbor Day, which is a great time to celebrate and thank American Red Cross blood and platelet donors for being GREAT neighbors to their fellow residents. Local dedicated blood and platelet donor T’Sean Law is a shining example. He has been donating blood for almost 18 years and platelets for almost 4.

T’Sean gained an interest in donating blood as a teen in high school. It was a fun and interactive experience for him and his friends at that time, so he thought nothing much about donating a few pints, which turned into a few liters. But as time passed, T’Sean became more aware of how important those donations are for people who rely on them. After discovering that his family had a history of suffering from lung and prostate cancer, T’Sean knew that giving blood and platelets would aid in the recovery of many cancer patients beyond his family and close friends. As a result, he grew to love the process of donating blood and platelets even more.

You can find T’Sean donating platelets about one or twice a month at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Horsham, where he has formed a lasting relationship with the staff and volunteers. Every time he visits to donate, T’Sean is welcomed in a warm, fun loving, joke-filled, relaxed environment by people that know him by name. He enjoys the great snacks after the process is over and likes meeting a lot of new and interesting people.

T’Sean says it feels good to discuss his donation stories with his longtime friend and co-worker from Delaware who gives blood as well. They both developed a friendly competition over who gets the best snacks at their blood donation locations and who has the most fun while donating blood and platelets. This friendly banter has kept them connected with each other over the years.  

Fun fact — T’Sean continued to donate blood and platelets even while he was training for the Philadelphia and Chicago marathons last year! He is an active member of the Swagger House Run Club and Black Men Run Philly groups, through which he focuses on assisting men in their 20s and up to stay out of trouble while maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle. T’Sean helps these young men and others educate themselves on physical and mental health awareness, various forms of cancer and illness affecting men and the importance of getting tested. Of course, he also discusses the importance of blood and platelet donation and volunteering for the Red Cross.  

Red Cross Blood Shortage

The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave blood this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there’s an emergency need for type O blood donors, as well as platelet donors. More donors are needed now to ensure patients at hospitals across the country continue to receive critical medical care.    Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Help needed to fight ongoing national blood and platelet shortage

By Alana Mauger

Red Cross graphic: Shortage alert.

The American Red Cross continues to experience a national blood and platelet shortage and asks the public to book a time to give as soon as possible. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets.

The Red Cross experienced a significant blood and platelet donation shortfall in August, contributing to the current blood and platelet shortage. To ensure the blood supply recovers, the Red Cross must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month to meet hospital and patient needs.

“When blood and platelet supplies drop to critical levels, it makes hospitals and the patients they are treating vulnerable – especially if there is a major accident or emergency medical procedure that requires large quantities of blood during a disaster,” said Dr. Baia Lasky, medical director for the Red Cross. “A single car accident victim can use as much as 100 units of blood. By making and keeping donation appointments, donors can help keep hospital shelves stocked with blood products and ensure patients have access to the timely care they deserve.”

As a thank-you, those who come to give Oct. 1-20, 2023, will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.

Unique challenges to blood supply

In late summer, the Red Cross national blood supply dropped by about 25% on the heels of one of the busiest travel seasons and the beginning of back-to-school activities. As people settle back into fall school and work routines, a unique challenge to the blood supply remains – many employees continue to work from home or in a hybrid capacity, reducing the number of opportunities to give blood at business-sponsored blood drives. In fact, before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 800,000 blood donations were made at blood drives hosted by businesses. Last year, the Red Cross saw only about 500,000 blood donations at these locations – a nearly 40% drop from pre-pandemic levels.

This, coupled with an active disaster season, is creating a perfect “storm” and challenging the organization’s ability to collect a sufficient amount of blood products to meet the needs of hospitals across the country. 

Schedule an appointment to donate

The Red Cross offers three ways to make a donation appointment that can help save lives:

• Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App
• Visit RedCrossBlood.org
• Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

Giving platelets – How to help save a life

By Caroline Carr

Blood donor arm while giving. Photo by Michelle Frankfurter/American Red Cross

It’s a great feeling to get the notice that you’ve saved lives just by sitting in a chair for a couple of hours and donating platelets. I’ve been donating platelets for a year and it’s been the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had. Just knowing that my donation has helped children who are fighting cancer and people who have suffered trauma makes that two hours go by quickly. I keep a map where I can mark off each state where a donation has gone. It’s so much fun to see how far donations go and to find out what hospital is using them. So far my donations have made it to New Jersey, Philadelphia, West Virginia and Maryland.

I especially love when my platelets go to CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) because I know they are helping a child who is fighting cancer. We all know someone who has had cancer. If you’ve ever wondered what you can do to help, donate platelets. It’s very gratifying to be able to make a difference for a family that is living with so much pain.

What are platelets?

Platelets are a component of blood that assists with blood clotting. They are essential for people who are dealing with cancer, chronic diseases and traumatic injuries.

Every fifteen seconds someone needs platelets. Donors are needed every day because of this need and due to the short shelf life of platelets. They can only be stored for five days.

What is a donation like?

The whole process takes about two hours. First, a phlebotomist takes your vitals to make sure you can donate that day. Then you are shown to a very comfortable chair where you will sit for the duration of the donation. You have to sit still for the donation, but don’t worry! The Red Cross provides Netflix so you can relax and stream a movie you’ve been waiting to see. Or catch up on that series you’ve wanted to binge.

The phlebotomist will insert two needles, one in each arm, and hook that up to an apheresis machine. This machine filters out the platelets from your blood and then returns your blood to you in your return arm. Some donation centers can do a one arm donation where they stick your arm in two different places so you can give blood from one needle and receive the return in the second needle. However, most centers use both arms. You must keep your arms still during the donation so you won’t be able to read a book or use your cell phone.

Tips for donating

• You might get a little chilly because the blood being returned to you is a lower temperature. The center can provide a warm blanket for you to keep you warm during your donation.
• Sometimes I feel a little tingling in my mouth or upper lip. This is because of the citrate included in the return arm. This helps your blood to clot. If this happens, let your phlebotomist know right away and they can adjust the amount of citrate and give you Tums, which will alleviate the tingling.
• You can donate up to 24 times a year. Watch out, it becomes addictive once you donate. You will want to keep helping people and doing something that makes a huge difference in someone else’s life.
• Get a good night’s sleep and make sure to keep yourself hydrated a couple of days before you donate.
• Tell the staff if you feel any discomfort at all. There is usually a work around for whatever you are feeling.
• Keep thinking about all the lives you are saving!

Join the online support group

One of the best parts of donating is joining the online American Red Cross Platelet Donors Group on Facebook. There are so many supportive people out there who love donating as much as you will. They can give you great advice and encouragement to keep going. With over nine thousand members, they cheer each other on, give advice and it’s moderated by great volunteers who can answer any question you might have.

Platelet donation is a great way to give back. It really does help a lot of people in need. It’s a fun experience and you will find great support to keep doing it. So don’t wait! Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App today and make an appointment. You’ll be happy you did, and so will someone else!

World Cancer Day 2023: ‘Close the Care Gap’

By Nathan Fligelman

World Cancer Day graphic: Close the care gap.

February 4th of each year marks commemoration of World Cancer Day. This year, as was the case last year, and will be once again next year, the theme is “Close the Care Gap.” In other words, “everyone deserves access to cancer care.”

In 2022, the focus of the campaign was “realising the problem” – spreading awareness about the inequities in cancer treatment around the world. Essentially, inequity in care, potentially spurred by differences in income, education, location, and a litany of discrimination-centric catalysts, costs lives. The understanding of this unfortunate lack of fairness provided a basis for the 2023 focus: “uniting our voices and taking action.”

This year, every ‘participant’ in the movement is being called upon to unite in spreading the word about treatment inequity around the globe, as well as to both generally and directly help those who are in need. The World Cancer Day website lists ways you can get involved, such as encouraging neighbors to provide transport to cancer treatment clinics for those receiving care, and ensuring that local schools offer healthy, as well as inexpensive, food options.

Red Cross graphic: Nearly half of all platelet donations go to cancer patients.

Another way you can aid the movement is by donating blood or platelets. Fifty percent of all platelet donations, in particular, are transfused to cancer patients. Platelets stop bleeding in the body by attaching to the linings of blood vessels. Thus, platelets are an important contributor to damage-repair within the body; this is especially true for those suffering from cancer, as the disease is known to reduce platelet levels in the blood of patients (a condition called thrombocytopenia). Platelets also bolster the general production of healthy blood cells.

Platelet donations are in constant need because they have a shelf life of only 5 days. Individuals with all blood types (except for O negative and B negative – those donors can make the most impact by giving whole blood or Power Red donations) are encouraged to give platelet donation a try. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule a donation appointment.

Looking ahead, the “Close the Care Gap” focus for 2024 will be “together, we challenge those in power.”  Here, we’ll promote the widespread availability of health services through forging connections with community leaders and political figures. The overall purpose of this three-year campaign is to eventually create a cancer-free world for all.

To conclude, it is crucial that cancer care inequity is wholly eliminated so that everyone in need can receive proper treatment and further medical attention. This year, make sure to do your absolute best in spreading awareness pertaining to the “Close the Care Gap” initiative!

Stacey Morris is grateful for blood and platelet donations

By Alana Mauger

Stacey Morris at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Horsham.
Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

In March 2019, Stacey Morris made an appointment to see her doctor, concerned about feeling tired and noticing some unexplained bruises on her body. She had blood drawn as part of the exam. The next day, her doctor called with an alarming directive: go to the ER immediately.

Stacey was admitted to the hospital and received 2 units of red blood cells and 1 unit of platelets. After months of testing, including a bone marrow biopsy, and more transfusions of both blood and platelets, Stacey was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia and borderline MDS (myelodysplastic syndromes – conditions that can occur when the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow become abnormal)

“I can’t even explain the feeling when you don’t have enough blood in your body,” she said. “It’s like a dream state. Those transfusions made an immediate difference.”

In total, Stacey received about 20 units of blood and 8 units of platelets. Because she had an adverse reaction to her initial platelet transfusion, she required HLA-matched platelets (human leukocyte antigens — proteins on most cells in your body) going forward. The American Red Cross helped by finding a donor that matched her needs. She shared that every time she needed a platelet transfusion, the Red Cross contacted that donor, who then scheduled a platelet donation specifically for her!

“The Red Cross has literally saved my life,” she says each time she shares her story. “I wish I knew who my platelet donor was so I can thank them personally.”

Stacey is two years into a process to “reboot” her bone marrow through medication. She’s currently on the lowest medication dose to date and recently underwent a second bone marrow biopsy to see if her bone marrow is functioning properly. If not, Stacey may undergo a bone marrow transplant. 

About a year ago, she felt well enough to go back to work part-time as a dental assistant. She resides in Linfield, Pennsylvania with her husband and 3 teenage children.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why blood donations matter

By Jackie Faiman

Nearly half of all donated platelet donations go to cancer patients.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and at the American Red Cross we add our voices to promote awareness of the impact of this disease. It is estimated that one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2022, a projected 287,500 new cases will be diagnosed in the U.S alone, where the disease is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.

A diagnosis of breast cancer, overwhelming on its own, can trigger prolonged stress and grief, added to the challenge of seeking and undergoing treatment. Cancer patients benefit from a network of support. Whether or not someone close to you is struggling with breast cancer, you can still support the broader community of cancer patients in one key way: by donating blood. 

Blood and platelet donations are important to breast–and all–cancer patients. Why? Cancer and its treatment can cause anemia (low red blood count levels), and chemotherapy can damage bone marrow and cause a drop in platelets. Both of these conditions are commonly addressed through blood transfusions. Thus, having access to adequate blood supply through transfusions can directly improve the health of cancer patients. 

To find a blood drive near you, visit RedCrossBlood.org or download the Blood Donor App. With the App, you can actually track where your blood is sent.

To learn more about resources for breast cancer treatment and support services, visit the links below:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Susan G. Komen
• National Breast Cancer Foundation
• American Cancer Society

Since 1991, the National Breast Cancer Foundation has worked to help those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services. The NBCF advocates for early screening and, through a network of medical facilities nationwide, provides free mammograms and diagnostic services for women in need through its National Mammography Program.

Blood donations needed as cancer patients resume care after challenging year

The American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society have teamed up this June to encourage people across the country to Give Blood to Give Time and help ensure loved ones have the strength and support they need as they undergo cancer treatment.

According to the American Cancer Society, many patient visits and procedures were forced to delay or cancel early in the pandemic to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. With procedures resuming, blood donations are critical for cancer treatments. Unfortunately, the Red Cross is seeing fewer blood and platelet donors give as the nation begins to climb out of this pandemic. This downturn comes at a time when the Red Cross continues to see strong demand for blood products − including platelets − by hospitals, causing concern for the sufficiency of the blood supply this month and throughout the summer.

Red Cross currently has an emergency need for eligible donors in the Greater Philadelphia area to make an appointment now to give platelets to ensure critical patient needs are met. Platelets, the clotting portion of blood primarily given to cancer patients during treatment, must be transfused within five days of donation and, therefore, are always in great demand.

“Many cancer patients, especially those going through chemotherapy, will have a need for blood products during treatment,” said Dr. Baia Lasky, medical director for the Red Cross. “When someone donates blood or platelets, they may not only help prevent life-threatening bleeding that can cause stroke or relieve some symptoms, like shortness of breath and headaches, but also give patients and their families the time and hope they need to fight back.”

Some types of chemotherapy can damage bone marrow, reducing red blood cell and platelet production. Other times, the cancer itself or surgical procedures cause the need for blood products. About six blood products are needed every minute to help someone going through cancer treatment. Yet only 3% of people in the U.S. give blood. It is vital that more people donate blood and platelets regularly to meet that need.

“The need for blood in cancer treatments is an important and untold story,” said Howard Byck, senior vice president of corporate and sports alliances, American Cancer Society. “The American Cancer Society is excited to be working with the Red Cross on Give Blood to Give Time. Through this partnership, we want people to know there are multiple ways they can help and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.”

Cancer takes so much, but you can help

In August 2016, Myel Bowers-Smith received an unexpected and life-changing medical diagnosis. What she thought was an infection from a mosquito bite was actually stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer. The cancer was a very rare and aggressive breast carcinoma that spread from her breast to her lymph nodes on the left side of her body. “I just knew something wasn’t right with my body,” she said.

Bowers-Smith was determined to keep a positive attitude even when her treatments left her feeling sick for days at a time, unable to eat and extremely fatigued. “I received five different chemotherapy treatments and steroids. I also received multiple plasma and platelet transfusions. I would be in the hospital bed for hours receiving treatments,” she said. 

After months of treatment, Bowers-Smith was told her cancer was in remission in February 2017. “I was more than excited because I survived. I won, and it was time to get my life back! This couldn’t defeat me,” she said. 

Bowers-Smith recognizes the role of blood products in her recovery and now encourages others to give. “Everyone needs someone, and this is your time to help someone who needs your blood or platelets. Be a blessing,” she said. “Eligible donors, you have something good – which is your blood. A pint of blood can help save lives, and you never know if you or someone you love would need donated blood or platelet products.”

To schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment, visit GiveBloodToGiveTime.org. As a special thank-you, those who come to donate through June 13 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.