The Cure 4 The Kids Foundation Blood Drive and Bone Marrow Registry event on Valentine’s Day was a huge success, impacting the lives of 177 people who will benefit from the life-saving blood donations and many more who may find a bone marrow match.
A total of 59 units was collected by the Vitalant team, which translated into a 211 percent increase above the event’s goal.
“This is a win for our entire community,” said Katherine Salkanovic, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation Patient Experience Manager. “A blood shortage can affect any of us – including our patients – so increasing the blood supply will benefit all of us.”
Just as impressive, approximately 100 people joined the bone marrow registry at the event.
Having an adequate blood supply and a diverse bone marrow registry benefits everyone, and also has a direct impact on the health of Cure 4 The Kids Foundation patients. Recently, a patient had to be hospitalized for several days while awaiting the specific blood type they needed, which was not available locally. Another Cure 4 The Kids Foundation patient will need a bone marrow transplant in the future and is seeking a matching donor.
Those who would you like to donate blood can do so by contacting Vitalant (formerly United Blood Services) at bloodhero.com or 877-827-4376.
Additionally, Be The Match can send a mouth swab kit to anyone who would like to join the registry — details can be found at bethematch.org.
Leave a Comment