Blood and platelets play a critical role in cancer treatments.

For children fighting cancer, platelets and red blood cells become their life sustaining need. Unlike medicines that are manufactured for use, blood products,

especially platelets, must be processed through donations. 

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1. Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in​ the U.S.

2. Nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.

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For more information please click here.

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During Daniela's treatment with chemotherapy, over the course of 4 years, she received hundreds of blood transfusions and platelets. In essence, the chemotherapy essentially destroys the bone marrow that manufactures red blood cells and platelets. The red blood cells are necessary to transport oxygen while the platelets help control blood clotting and ultimately prevent the child from uncontrollable bleeding and possible death. ​

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Most people are familiar with donating blood and have participated in blood drives.  This process requires approximately 30 minutes of one's time and whole blood is extracted.  From whole blood packed red blood cells can be generated from transfusions these packed cells can then have a shelf life up to 42 days. 

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However, fewer people realize that platelet donation requires a different process, of collection where the blood is extracted from the donor, goes through a machine and separates out the platelets, returns the blood back to the donor, while preserving the precious platelets. The process takes about 70-90 minutes of one's time and requires donating at a blood collection center with appointment time. The shelf life for platelets is only 5 days.  

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Become a hero, join with others to make a difference, one child at a time.  Donate blood and if possible, donate precious platelets. 

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Did You Know...

• Cancer patients are the number one recipient of blood products. 

• Platelets only have a 5-Day shelf life. That's right, platelets can only be stored for 5 days.

• AB Platelets are very special. Donors with type AB blood can donate their platelets to all other blood types.

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How often Can I Donate?

You can donate whole blood every 56 days, platelets every 14 days or Double Red Cells every 112 days.