Every 15 minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with a medical condition that requires treatment with a blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant.
National Marrow Awareness Month serves as a reminder to take action and help patients with medical conditions like leukemia or patients in need of a bone marrow transplant.
You can help by donating blood. Patients suffering from leukemia can require six to eight units of platelets daily for two to four weeks, while patients receiving a bone marrow transplant may need one to two units of red blood cells every other day for two to four weeks.
Your chance to help save a life and give blood is at one of the following American Red Cross blood drives:
n Nov. 1, Calvary United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, 801 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, noon to 6 p.m.
n Nov. 5, Vineyard Community Church, church sanctuary, 10121 N. Ind. 13, Syracuse, 2 to 6 p.m.
n Nov. 13, Center Lake Pavilion, 117 Canal St., Warsaw, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you are at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification. For more information, or to schedule your blood donation appointment, call 800-GIVE-LIFE.
