How you can help cancer patients: Give Blood to Give Time

FACT: Cancer patients use nearly one-quarter of the blood supply – more than patients fighting any other disease. And there simply aren’t enough people donating regularly to meet the need.

That’s why the American Red Cross and American Cancer Society have teamed up to encourage people across the country to Give Blood to Give Time. When you donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross, you’re helping cancer patients receive the care they need.

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.

Myel 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. 

The need for blood in cancer treatment is an important and often untold story. Cancer patients, like Myel, may require blood products on a regular basis during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications. Platelet transfusions are often needed by cancer patients to help prevent life-threatening bleeding.  

 

After months of treatment, Myel 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. 

 

Myel 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.”

You might not be able to change a cancer diagnosis or treatment, but you can help those going through it by donating blood or platelets.