Breast cancer affects one in eight women in their lifetime, and many patients rely on blood or platelet transfusions during treatment. About 25% of the blood supply is used to help all types of cancer patients.
Sue Holm is emerging from a battle with breast cancer and hoping to get back to the yard work and swimming she enjoys. After complications from breast reconstruction surgery this past year, she needed a blood transfusion. Years earlier, Holm had a ruptured ovarian cyst that required blood.“Every day, many people wake up not knowing they will need blood today,” Holm said. “It has happened to me twice in my life when receiving blood was my lifesaver. It could be you, your spouse, a child or other family member.”
Vitalant stresses the ongoing need for donors of all blood types, especially type O and platelet donors. All are vital to maintaining an always-ready supply. O-negative blood, found in only 7% of the population, is the universal type used in emergencies. O-positive, the most common blood type, can help anyone with a positive blood type.
Donors Can Win Big While Giving Back
To thank donors for their lifesaving generosity, Vitalant is offering a chance to win $10,000 in the "Tune up Your Technology giveaway"*. All donors who give blood or platelets with Vitalant during October will be automatically entered to win a prepaid gift card they can use to upgrade their tech or spend however they wish.Learn more and make an appointment to give by visiting vitalant.org, download the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
*Terms and conditions apply. Visit vitalant.org/techgiveaway.