RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Biomedical Services

  • Juneteenth is also World Sickle Cell Day

    Red Cross graphic – World Sickle Cell Day

    Thursday, June 19th is an important day for celebration and awareness. It marks Juneteenth, our newest federal holiday and a day of reflection and pride that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.

    It’s also World Sickle Day, established by the United Nations in 2008 and commemorated every June 19th to increase awareness about sickle cell disease – the most common genetic disorder in the U.S. An estimated 100,000 people in the U.S. are living with sickle cell disease, most of whom are of African or Latino descent.

    Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to be hard and crescent-shaped – like a sickle – instead of soft and round, making it difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry oxygen adequately to the rest of the body. Sickle cell warriors can experience complications like severe pain, anemia, infections, stroke and organ damage.

    Blood transfusions help relieve sickle cell disease symptoms by increasing the number of healthy red blood cells in the body, helping to deliver oxygen throughout the body and unblocking blood vessels. But ensuring hospitals have an adequate supply of the major blood types – O, A, B and AB – is only part of the equation.

    There are more than 600 known antigens – substances on red blood cells that help determine your blood type – some of which are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups.  Individuals who require regular blood transfusions, like those with sickle cell disease, need blood that is matched more closely to reduce possible complications. Therefore, a sickle warrior is more likely to find a compatible blood match from a donor of the same race or similar ethnic group.

    Red Cross graphic – Blood donors who are Black may have a unique ability to help patients with sickle cell disease and support the health of their community.

    Over the next few months, the Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions will be holding several Community of Giving blood drives specifically to help people living with sickle cell disease. The drives are in memory of E. Steven Collins, a legendary Philadelphia radio icon and beloved community leader, who died of a heart attack in 2013.

    E. Steven worked as a professional broadcaster for decades with a long tenure at Radio One. He also had numerous areas of civic outreach, including advocating for people with sickle cell disease. He helped bring attention to the cause by supporting community initiatives that increased education and funding.

    More than a decade after his death, the Community of Giving blood drives to help those living with sickle cell disease will continue E. Steven’s long legacy of making a difference. The drives will take place from June 21st through September 20th at locations in Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

    To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org.

    2025 E. Steven Collins Community of Giving Blood Drives: 

    June 21, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. – Philly Area Ques at Beckett Life Center, 1410 N. 16th St. Philadelphia
    June 28, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Second Baptist Church of Mount Holly, 306 Washington St., Mount Holly, N.J.
    July 17, noon-5 p.m. – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch St. Philadelphia
    July 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Heart-2-Hut at Masonville Fire Station No. 361 105 Masonville Road, Mount Laurel, N.J.
    Aug. 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.- Lott Carey at Marriott Downtown-Franklin 13, 1201 Market St., Philadelphia
    Aug. 29, noon-5 p.m. – Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson at Capital Area YMCA 431 Pennington Ave., Trenton, N.J.
    Aug. 30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, 5521 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia
    Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Bethlehem Baptist Church, 712 Penllyn Pike Spring House
    Sept. 20, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – St. Stephen AME Zion Church, 1001 Springwood Ave. Asbury Park N.J.

  • World Blood Donor Day: A father’s mission

    By Vaishnavi Kalakota

    Anthony Talarigo (center) with his children Gemma and Max and Vanguard’s annual Strong Start for kids event in 2024. Submitted photo

    For many blood donation is an occasional act of kindness. For others, it is a deeply personal service. For one father, Anthony Talarigo, a dedicated professional at Vanguard, it serves as an ongoing tribute to his son, a testament to resilience and the power of giving back. 

    Anthony’s son inspired him to begin his mission to donate blood. When talking about his children, he  says “they are my whole world.” After witnessing his son’s bravery first-hand, Anthony was very moved to start this journey of blood donation.

    A son’s inspiring strength

    The journey began with his son Max. From just 3 months old, Max experienced health challenges. Max had surgery for cancer at around this time, and he was monitored till around age 5, when he was diagnosed with epilepsy. Despite these hardships, Max has “never looked down on himself and hasn’t let his health cause him stress or sadness,” according to his father.

    “Just the other day he said to me, ‘you know Dad, when I have a seizure, it doesn’t affect me at all.’ And I said to him, ‘Buddy, I wish I could say the same,’” he shared.

    After seeing his son’s spirit stay bright through difficulty, Anthony was motivated to start giving blood, saying “If he can do all that he’s done, I can avert my eyes, grab a stronghold of the donor bed, and give.”

    Giving back to those who helped

    Since starting his donations, Anthony has given blood seven times and counting. His first donation was incredibly meaningful. “The first time I donated, I found out that it went to CHOP. It brought such joy knowing that I’m giving back to them for the help they’ve given Max. We have known that hospital intimately for almost 20 years,” he said.

    Anthony doesn’t plan to stop. He continues to donate regularly, inspired by Max’s strength and the leadership of Mike Wiley, a Vanguard colleague who works tirelessly to engage more donors. 

    Overcoming the challenges of donating

    Despite Anthony’s dedication to donating, the process isn’t always easy. “I do not like seeing my blood on the outside of my body. It’s not a fear that will cause me to faint, just very uncomfortable,” he shared.

    He makes it a point to encourage others to donate as well, whether it’s wearing his “just donated” sticker or explaining his reasons for giving. For those who are hesitant about giving blood, he offers the following advice: “keep donating as often as you can. I hate getting stuck by a needle. It’s a small price to pay to save someone’s life.”

    The lasting impact of giving

    Anthony knows firsthand how a crucial blood donation is. His son Max received a transfusion during surgery. 

    If you’re considering donating blood, he shares, “It doesn’t take long. Your body will replace what you donate. Donating saves lives, and if this wimp can do it so can you.”

    His hope for the future? A world where synthetic blood advancements reduce blood shortages and reliance on donors. But until then, Anthony encourages everyone to give as much as they can.

    “There is always a need.”

  • More than music: Metallica fans donate blood in Philadelphia

    By Alana Mauger and Judith Weeks
    photos by Konrad Jones and Jenny Duong

    Three days before Metallica rocked Lincoln Financial Field in the first of two Philadelphia shows, more than 150 of the band’s fans came together to do some good.

    The American Red Cross joined Metallica and its Foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), to encourage fans to give blood and help strengthen the blood supply leading into summer.

    Philly is one of 11 cities across the U.S. to host a Red Cross X Metallica Blood Drive as part of the band’s M72 World Tour. The drive kicked off Metallica’s multi-day takeover of the city, which included tribute performances, pop-up shops, a film screening, volunteer opportunities and even bowling.

    From teens going to their first Metallica show to those who rocked out to the band in the 1980s, fans descended on the stadium’s Field House on May 20th to roll up a sleeve and donate lifesaving blood for patients who need it. Those who came out to give left the drive with a limited-edition Red Cross X Metallica T-shirt and guitar pick.

    The drive collected 152 units of blood. For more than a third of the donors, it was the first time they tried giving blood.

    “Seeing how easy it was, I need to make it a regular thing. I was afraid of needles, and I didn’t even feel it,” shared Chris, who has been a Metallica fan for 28 years. “I’m wearing my Metallica T-shirt, and this will be my 35th show.”

    Metallica fan and first-time blood donor Traci has traveled the world to see the band, including Europe, Canada, Mexico and Israel. She also had tickets to both Philly shows.

    “I’m a first-time donor. I was nervous,” she said during her donation. “I’m a Metallica fan so I came, I did it, and apparently, I’m passing with flying colors.”

    The drive also encouraged donors who don’t give regularly to give it another try.

    “I gave blood in high school but haven’t done it for a while,” shared Zachary, who estimates seeing Metallica in concert around 20 times. “I saw the Metallica thing – the promotion. I’m a big fan, so this is a good reason to donate and give back.”

    Ben hadn’t donated blood since having a heart attack eight years ago.

    “Metallica sponsored this, so I said if I qualify, I’m going to start doing it again. So that’s why I’m here today,” he shared. “I’ll continue to do it and encourage others to donate too.”

    Many Metallica fans who came out to drive were already long-time blood donors.

    “Metallica brought me out today, wearing my Metallica T-shirt,” said Katherine. “I try to donate three times a year. I know donating blood can help people, so why not?”

    A high school senior and “big fan of Metallica,” Jacob came to the drive looking to make his third-ever blood donation.

    “I’ve only donated twice, but once the 56 days are done, I’ll donate again,” he said. “I’ve got O negative, and I’ve got to get it out as much as I can.”

    Jordana was there to make her ninth donation. “I like going different places for blood drives in the city. And it feels good; it feels like I’m helping out,” she said. “I’m a little nervous when they put the needle in. After that, I find it relaxing.”

    All Within My Hands takes advantage of opportunities on the road to contribute to each community Metallica’s M72 World Tour visits. To learn more about Foundation, visit allwithinmyhands.org.

  • National Volunteer Week: Kasra Yaghouti is dedicated to helping others

    By Jenny Farley

    Kasra Yaghouti received the Exceptional Biomedical Volunteer Award at the Celebration of Volunteers on March 8, 2025. Submitted photo

    Kasra Yaghouti began volunteering for the American Red Cross as a blood donor ambassador in 2020. Just one year later, he took on additional responsibilities as Engagement Lead for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Region.

    “I’m so appreciative of everything I’ve learned – all the incredible people that I’ve met,” he said.

    On March 8, 2025 the Red Cross honored Kasra during the Celebration of Volunteers ceremony, where he won the Exceptional Biomedical Volunteer award for Philadelphia County.

    “I was ecstatic to win this award,” he said. Kasra felt thrilled to have been chosen “among such amazing volunteers” who have dedicated years of their life to the Red Cross.

    “My goal is always to help others in need,” he said.

    In that spirit of helpfulness, Kasra is a dedicated blood donor, having contributed both whole blood and white blood cells through the Red Cross, with plans to continue donating in the future.

    In 2021, Kasra co-founded a newsletter for blood donor ambassadors called “The Beat,” which will soon merge with the “Volunteer Voice” newsletter after nearly 30 issues were published. During the pandemic “The Beat” gave volunteers a chance to connect with one another during social distancing.

    “Hopefully, the newsletters allowed them to understand that their dedication and support means so much and it goes such a long way towards saving lives.”

    As a student at Temple University, volunteer Kasra Yaghouti partnered with the Red Cross to host blood drives. He donates whole blood and white blood cells. Submitted photo

    Kasra also hosted bi-monthly online meetings for blood donor ambassadors to talk to each other and ask questions, which was especially helpful during the pandemic when people couldn’t meet in person.

    He studied biology at Temple University and furthered his education with a post-baccalaureate program in health sciences, working toward his goal of becoming a nurse practitioner in dermatology.

    He currently works as a dermatology medical assistant and this fall will begin nursing school. Although his free time will be limited because of an intense course schedule, Kasra said he won’t ever neglect the Red Cross.

    “I love volunteering with the Red Cross. It’s always been one of my passions. It’s such a wonderful organization to be involved in — so welcoming. There’s always opportunities to help. I think I’ll always be a volunteer.”

    The Red Cross needs more volunteers like Kasra to support ongoing blood collection efforts and disaster operations. Blood donor ambassadors and blood transportation specialists are two of the biomedical volunteer positions the Red Cross needs the most.

    When you become a Red Cross volunteer, you will receive free online training to teach you what you need to know and help you learn new skills. If you would like to volunteer, find out how at redcross.org/volunteer.

  • National Volunteer Week: Ken Soondar serves wherever there is need

    By Robert Ambrose

    Ken Soondar (second from right) received a 2024 Exceptional Volunteer Award for his work as a Blood Donor Ambassador on March 8 at the Red Cross Celebration of Volunteers event. He is pictured with Red Cross Philadelphia Board of Directors Chair Larry Pockers (far left); Regional CEO Jennifer Graham (second from left); and Delaware Valley Board of Directors Chair Carly Spross (far right). Photo by Bernadette Mathis / American Red Cross

    Who among us serves the Red Cross as:

    • a Blood Donor Ambassador,
    • a Disaster Action Team ”DAT” responder – 24-hour on-call for local disaster relief such as fires in Bucks, Delaware and Philadelphia counties
    • a Red Cross smoke alarm installer
    • a pastor deploying far away to mass care shelters to provide spiritual support to disaster victims?

    Enter Kenneth “Ken” Soondar.

    Ken recently earned a volunteer recognition award through five years of action. But what is equally remarkable is his perfect background fit for each type  of volunteerism. Working for nearly 40-years as a blood testing veteran in Philadelphia-area hospital labs, Ken has covered each test variety (e.g., coagulation, urine, and microbiology).

    His professional experience organizing blood labs ensures the  Red Cross’ careful system is upheld. Matching daily blood donor’s profiles with each bottles’ correct label begins the intricate Red Cross system to test and distribute the area’s bona fide blood supply to hospitals. (It’s no small feat involving dozens of volunteers and compensated staffers). Blood collections are primary, but Ken’s typical blood drive day brings camaraderie with plasma and platelet donors as well. He says he enjoys “the people and the challenge.”

    But then there are local emergencies like fires. If families have smoke alarms, odds are greater to survive a fire than if no smoke alarms are present. Then what? Many families do not have rental insurance – and lose everything.

    Ken comes through to meet the people with only the clothes on their backs. Surely, helping those souls drew Ken to attend the free Red Cross smoke alarm installation events. Yes, he does both: (1) Both helping the fire victims and (2) preventing other potential fires with free smoke alarm installations and fire safety education. It’s Ken’s modus operandi when he is not serving as a church pastor.

    Ken’s pastor background further underscores his generous Red Cross volunteerism in other states. The widespread community-leveling disasters (e.g., tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes) need Red Cross volunteers from around the nation to meet the intense needs. While we see the disasters on news playbacks, Ken is on location. Recently, Ken was on location during the Los Angeles wildfires.

    A two-week minimum with the possibility to run six weeks, deployment disasters involve Ken catching planes and staying in multiple hotels. Sometimes renewing his stay in these spots where individuals have lost homes, cars, jobs, family and friends, this volunteerism is platinum-level support to humanity. Ken brandishes his heart of gold offering pastoral support. Red Cross volunteer healthcare professionals provide medical and even mental health assistance to these individuals right in Ken’s midst.

    Ken and his wife Molly get CPR certified at a Red Cross training event in 2024. Photo by Debbie Tevlin / American Red Cross

    In 1969, meeting his wife in healthcare school, the two people were united. But that union left Trinidad, their origin country losing two superheroes. Philadelphia is extraordinarily lucky to have them here.

    During part of my interview, one finished the sentence of the other. Both volunteer for the Red Cross. Anyone reading this: Do they even have couples as dedicated to community anymore?

    If that was not enough, Ken was on site in the days and weeks after the tragic Northeast Philadelphia plane crash, working with emergency responders and providing pastoral care to those impacted.

  • Medical Laboratory Professionals Week: Philadelphia is home to the American Rare Donor Program

    By Judith Weeks

    Lab Week graphic in maroon with a blood bag illustration in the word Lab and the words Medical Laboratory Professionals Week in black underneath.
    Lab Week graphic in maroon with a blood bag illustration in the word Lab and the words Medical Laboratory Professionals Week in black underneath.

    The American Red Cross Southeast Pennsylvania Region celebrates Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 20-26, with the spotlight on Joan Maurer BS, SBB (ASCP) and the American Rare Donor Program

    There are three American Red Cross Laboratories in Philadelphia that work with the American Rare Donor Program (ARDP). The National Molecular Laboratory (the only one in the U.S.) performs genotyping of rare blood donors and patients; the National Reference Laboratory for Specialized Testing (again, the only one in the U.S.) tests blood donors using a panel of antibodies for rare blood serology; and the Iargest of the Red Cross’ 44 Immunohematology Reference Laboratory that provides specialized support for blood transfusion services and consultation for complex antibody cases. They maintain an inventory of antigen negative red blood cell units and access rare blood units through the ARDP. The medical laboratory professionals who work in these laboratories perform tests on blood and blood products and have the responsibility to ensure safe transfusions.

    Joan Maurer BS, SBB (ASCP) is a specialist who can conduct all blood bank operations from routine testing to the most advanced procedures. Joan’s laboratory career began in 1982 working in the Red Cross Laboratory in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In 1985 she was certified as a Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).  In 1989 she transferred to the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory in Philadelphia.

    Joan Maurer, SBB (ASCP), in her senior softball league uniform. Submitted photo

    She is now Lead Associate for the American Rare Donor Program (ARDP). Joan explained, “we put people in touch with one another for rare blood units, what’s needed, where it has to go, and how many units are needed. We coordinate blood shipments for all kinds of requests, not just domestic, but international cases as well, including requests from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Canada, and the United Kingdom. We as the ARDP in the U.S. have donors who can provide units for these folks.”

    The American Rare Donor Program, established in 1998 and headquartered in Philadelphia, is a collaborative program with the American Red Cross and the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB). The ARDP maintains a database of rare blood donors for patients who need rare blood and blood products for treatment, organ and bone marrow transplant and gene therapy.

    A person with rare blood has either a rare antigen on their red blood cells or antibodies in their blood from multiple transfusions. Sickle cell disease is the most common condition requiring rare blood. Some of these patients need hundreds of red blood cell units to replace “sickled cells” and may develop antibodies after exposure to red blood cell antigens from the transfusions. Determining blood compatibility requires specialized laboratory testing. The American Red Cross Laboratories provide these tests, identifying rare blood donors and matching with recipients who need rare blood.

    Patients with sickle cell may become immune to blood that's not a close match.
    Red Cross graphic – Text reads patients with sickle cell may become immune to blood that’s not a close match.

    Joan describes a case that was particularly rewarding. Beginning in 2018, the ARDP Resource Center in Philadelphia sourced hundreds of units of rare blood for young woman in Atlanta, Georgia who has sickle cell disease. In April 2025, the Resource Center received a message that the patient had undergone a successful gene therapy procedure producing normal blood cells!

    Joan exclaimed, “this patient who needed our support for the past seven years will no longer need rare blood units. So that’s really cool!”

    Joan and her husband Ed Turner are huge sports fans. “I love the Phillies, and on my desk, I have a couple bobble heads.”  A graduate from Penn State, she is a football fan too. Joan and Ed are team members in a senior softball league, which won the championship two years ago!

  • Give blood, rock hard: Red Cross X Metallica Blood Drive comes to Philadelphia

    Graphic: Donate Blood To Save Lives with Metallica. A Sea Of Hearts Beat As One Unified. RedCrossBlood.org/Metallica #BleedingMe

    This spring, the American Red Cross is joining Metallica and its Foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), to urge fans to give back by giving blood at 11 M72 World Tour locations across the U.S., including Philadelphia.

    A Red Cross X Metallica Blood Drive will be held in the Field House at Lincoln Financial Field on Tuesday, May 20 from 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Metallica.  All who come to give at this drive will get a limited-edition Red Cross X Metallica T-shirt*, while supplies last.

    This new collaboration between the Red Cross and Metallica will help ensure hospital patients never have to wait for critical, lifesaving care in the weeks and months ahead. By rolling up a sleeve to give, the Metallica family can help trauma victims, those facing cancer, new mothers, people living with sickle cell disease and so many more. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially type O.

    All Within My Hands takes advantage of opportunities on the road to contribute to each community the tour visits. To learn more about All Within My Hands, visit allwithinmyhands.org.

    *Offer applicable to presenting donors only at designated Red Cross X Metallica blood drives. Sizes are limited and while supplies last. Offer subject to availability of donation opportunities in presenting donor’s area. No substitutions and not transferable by presenting donor. Not redeemable for cash.

  • Red Cross partnership with 6abc flourishes at 5th annual blood drive

    By Alana Mauger

     6abc meteorologist Adam Joseph is pictured with phlebotomist Shannon Cobo after giving blood at the drive’s Wynnefield Heights location on March 26, 2025. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    The American Red Cross and 6abc held their fifth and largest annual Red Cross Month blood drive on March 26, collecting 363 units of blood – 125 over last year’s total – to help patients in the Delaware Valley and beyond.

    This year saw the addition of a new location – Delaware Valley University in Doylestown – to the previous drive sites at Courtyard by Marriott in the Wynnefield Heightssection of Philadelphia and the Collingswood Grand Ballroom in Collingswood, New Jersey.

    “Every two seconds, someone needs blood. The need is constant, and it’s the blood on the shelves today that helps us in emergencies that may happen tomorrow,” said Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Jennifer Graham, who was on hand to thank donors at the drive’s Philadelphia location.

    Watch 6abc reporter Maggie Kent’s coverage from the 6abc blood drives on March 26, 2025.

    President and General Manager Bernie Prezenika was among the many 6abc employees who made time to donate.

    “Excited that our viewers respond,” he shared before donating. “People of the Delaware Valley always turn out for their neighbors.”

    Since 2021, the annual drive has collected 1,097 units of blood.

    Some donations come from those giving for the very first time, like 6abc intern Alexander O’Connor, who is a senior at University of Pennsylvania.

    “I thought I would be afraid of the needle, but it was over so fast!” he shared after his donation, promising that it won’t be his last.

    6abc intern Alexander O’Connor is all smiles after donating blood for the first time. Photo by Katerina Luchinina / American Red Cross

    Alex came over to the Wynnefield drive location with the 6abc Community Engagement Coordinator Marguerite Faison, who has been giving blood since age 17. She proudly held up a blue tag that was later affixed to her completed blood donation, marking it as a possible match for someone living with sickle cell disease.

    “What is most important to me is that people living with sickle cell disease getting the services they need,” she said. For many, those services include blood transfusions.

    6abc Community Engagement Coordinator Marguerite Faison holds up the blue tag that will be tied to the blood bag containing her completed donation. Photo by Alana Mauger / American Red Cross

    Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S., impacting more than 100,000 people across the country and affecting one out of every 365 African American births. For sickle cell warriors, repeated transfusions may cause an immune response to blood from donors that is not closely matched to their own. However, 1 in 3 Black blood donors is a match for someone living with sickle cell disease.  

    6abc covered several stories leading up March 26th to help promote blood drive appointments.

    One of those featured retired Philadelphia Police Officer Ashley Hoggard, who needed blood transfusions after he was shot in the line of duty in 2009.

    Watch 6abc reporter Christie Ileto interviews Ashley Hoggard on March 12, 2025.

    For the second story, 6abc reporter Alyana Gomez spoke with Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter Board member Dave Thomas and his wife Jillian, who have a healthy baby boy, thanks in part to generously donated blood. Jillian lives with Diamond-Blackfan anemia, a rare bone marrow disorder that impairs the production of red blood cells. She received regular blood transfusions throughout her pregnancy – and throughout her life.

    Watch: 6abc reporter Alyana Gomez interviews Dave and Jillian Thomas on March 21, 2025.

    For the final story, 6abc’s Vice President of Community Engagement Nikki Hawkins shared a very personal story about how her attempts to give blood at the first three 6abc blood drives led her to a medical diagnosis for which she is now being treated.

    There is no substitute for generously donated blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. Schedule a blood donation appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.

  • Blood donor Dawne Ballard follows in her father’s footsteps

    By Judith Weeks

    Dawne Ballard at a graduate school celebration with her dad a few years ago. Submitted photo

    Inspired by her father, Dawne Ballard began donating blood as a young teenager. Following in his footsteps, she would accompany him to blood drives. Whenever he reached a milestone for donated blood, he would receive a special pin from the American Red Cross. Dawne was excited about getting pins of her own. “As a competitive kid I wanted to surpass his donations.” 

    Dawne’s first experience was a blood drive in her high school gymnasium. She explains, “blood drives at high schools make it easier for students because they don’t need to find transportation to an offsite location.”  She was excited to donate blood for the first time. In a community where friends and teachers supported her, she knew no fear. When she laid down on the bed, the technician reassured her and answered any questions. When describing her experience she was “super proud,” but embarrassed because afterward she was light-headed. After lying down for a few minutes with a cold compress on her head she recovered quickly.

    Sadly, Dawne’s father passed away last year after receiving multiple blood transfusions himself. Her mother, who has been fearful of donating blood, now wants to give back knowing that blood transfusions gave her husband more time with their family. She was not sure she would be accepted to donate blood as she has multiple sclerosis (MS). Since 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed persons with MS to give blood as long as they are healthy and their condition is stable. Dawne plans to join her mother at a blood drive and they can give blood together.

    So far, Dawne estimates she has given 35-40 pints and donates at least three times a year. Her wife takes her to the blood donation site and waits to take her home. Dawne explains, “she’s wonderfully supportive, but fearful of needles and afraid it will hurt.”

    A Philly native, Dawne’s career is people operations. She likes to hike, especially the trails at Wissahickon Park, and loves paddling with the Women’s Dragon Boat Team.

    For teenagers, donating blood is a great way to help save lives and give back to the community. In Pennsylvania, teens can donate at age 16 with parent consent and 17 without. Visit our Information for Teen Donors webpage to learn more. Even easier, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.

  • Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month: How you can help

    By Samantha Antenucci

    Red Cross graphic – Share kindness. Donate blood.

    March marks the Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness on how the body clots. Understanding and researching bleeding disorders, like hemophilia, Von Willebrand Disease, and other disorders of platelets has improved our knowledge in how we can better treat patients with these diseases. This is where our heroic donors come in and help patients live normal lives again. Each donation can go into not only supporting patients with these disorders, but also supports research into these diseases.

    What is a bleeding disorder?

    A bleeding disorder is anything that disrupts the platelets ability to form clots. Without the ability to clot, any injury, even a minor one, can cause life-threatening bleeds. Conditions like this emphasizes how vital it is for patients with hemophilia, Von Willebrand Disease, and other inherited clotting disorders to receive platelets to help replenish their bodies’ ability to clot.

    For individuals with bleeding disorders, blood transfusions are often necessary to replenish missing clotting factors. Treatments and products, such as clotting factors and platelet derivatives, are made from donated blood, meaning that every donation has the potential to save a life.

    How does it work?

    Organizations like the Red Cross play a vital role in supporting patients with bleeding disorders. Through the generosity of our donors, the Red Cross is able to take blood products and separate their components into products that can be used to directly aid patients with a clotting disorder. For example, in Hemophilias, patients are missing something called a clotting factor, which aids in helping platelets to form a clot. These factors however can be processed through a clinical apheresis service, where they filter out those particular clotting factors from donated blood plasma, and return the rest of the blood and plasma back to the donor. The concentrated clotting factors collected can now be given to the patient via a transfusion.

    Moreover, many breakthroughs have been made through gene therapies that can help create potential long term solutions to some bleeding disorders! The Red Cross is actively involved in cell and gene therapy solutions that can help reduce or even eliminate the need for frequent transfusions by supporting research and clinical trials that help develop many promising new treatments via donations!

    How can you help?

    The need for blood products is constant. The Red Cross is always in need of generous donors so we can ensure local hospitals can maintain supplies of blood and plasma for the patients who need it the most. Your contributions can make all the difference in someone fighting against a clotting disorder and helping them live a normal life. If eligible to donate, please consider scheduling an appointment with the Red Cross. Remember that these blood, platelet and plasma donations are essential for producing these lifesaving treatments, as they cannot be manufactured. Patients with hemophilia, Von Willebrand and other clotting disorders rely on plasma-derived products to survive. This March, take action by donating, raising awareness, and helping save lives.