Non-profit regional blood center, Blood Assurance, will be recognizing the first day of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month at all of the organization’s donor centers and bloodmobiles by giving all donors a customized Think Pink reusable solo cup on Oct. 1. Participants who make a donation will also have the opportunity of saving three lives within the community.
According to the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born this generation in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. Breast cancer can also occur in men, with more than 2,000 men being diagnosed each year. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
“With the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to recognize all brave men and women who have been diagnosed with this horrible disease,” said Charlie Callari, vice president of marketing and donor recruitment for Blood Assurance, Inc. “Blood donations are sent to our local hospitals who often need this blood for cancer patients. When loved ones are diagnosed with cancer, family members often feel helpless. Donating blood is a substantial way to fill that void.”
All donors who make a donation on Oct. 1 may choose between the customized Think Pink solo cup or the ongoing “I Bleed” college football t-shirt.
To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids - avoiding caffeine - and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating. For questions about donating blood, please call (423) 756-0966.