September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is raising awareness about the importance of donating blood to help children who are in a fight for their lives. Blood transfusions can be crucial to children undergoing treatment for cancer. It is vital to these young patients that there is a strong blood supply, especially in terms of platelets, which aid in a patient's ability to create healthy blood cells. Cancer treatment is a challenging time for these patients, but our community is stronger than ever and ready to help these young heroes fight.
More than 15,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, and while health care has made great advancements, there is still no cure for cancer. However, there is hope, and that hope comes from the lifesaving blood and platelet donors at Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, who are rolling up their sleeves to help children fight. Patients like Giovanni would not be here today without the help from blood donors.
Giovanni was diagnosed with Leukemia at 19 months. During his treatment, he needed platelets and whole blood. He loves baking treats, drawing animals, and playing video games. His mom says she learned the importance of donating blood during his treatment and appreciates the donors who saved his life multiple times.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to donate blood in honor of patients currently battling cancer or those who have lost their battle. We are asking our community to donate blood during this month to help local patients. By scheduling and keeping your appointment to donate blood, you ensure that the lifesaving care patients need for treatment is there when they need it most.