American Red Cross to Hold A Blood Drive in Honor of Colin Mosley

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive in honor of Porter County resident Colin Mosley, on July 24, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at South Haven Fire Department in the Community Room, located at 398 W. 700 N. in Valparaiso. RedCrossLogo

One-year-old Colin Mosley was diagnosed with leukemia in June of 2010. Leukemia patients like Colin may frequently need blood products during their care and treatment. Colin receives three platelet transfusions per week and one red blood transfusion every other week.

Dawn Mosley, Colin’s mother, gives blood twice a year. “There is definitely a need for people to donate blood,” she said. “Now that I have a child that needs transfusions, the importance of blood donation is more real to me.”

Although 38 percent of Americans are eligible to donate blood, only a fraction does. Give blood on July 24 and you could help to save the life of someone like Colin.

Anyone who takes the time to donate blood is definitely a hero in my book,” said Dawn. In addition to giving blood, individuals at this drive may join the National Bone Marrow Registry. Trained volunteers will collect names and tissue samples of individuals who wish to join. Donors are encouraged to take this opportunity to support the Mosley family.

How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

About the American Red Cross
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in more than 60 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.