First Volunteer Bank, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, Regions, First Tennessee and FSG Bank will compete to see who can bring in the most donors during a blood drive on Tuesday. The “Battle of the Banks” blood drive will take place at 700 Broad St. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The winning bank will receive a travelling piggy bank trophy. The blood drive is also in honor of Jaxon Beavers, who is fighting cancer.
Six-year-old Jaxon was diagnosed with a brain tumor, called sPNET, which stands for Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor. This is a rare tumor that occurs in children and young adults. Jaxon has received both red cell and platelet transfusions during his fight with this disease.
Volunteer blood donors are heroes to patients, like Jaxon, in need of life-saving blood and blood components, said officials. Blood Assurance supplies blood to 70 healthcare facilities in 47 counties, including the Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, where Jaxon has been receiving treatment. Over 400 blood donors are needed every day in order to adequately supply these hospitals.
To be eligible to donate blood, participants must be at least 17-years-old (16-years-old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. The process usually takes about 30 minutes and includes a complimentary snack and T-shirt. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids - avoiding caffeine - and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating. One donation can save three lives.
For more information about Blood Assurance, please call 800.962-0628 or go to www.BloodAssurance.org.