MADISON, Wis. (Oct. 5, 2023) — The community is invited to give blood in honor of Janie Starzewski at a special American Red Cross blood drive Thursday, Oct. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 326 S Segoe Rd.
This summer, Janie was diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). AIHA is a rare type of anemia that happens when the immune system creates antibodies that destroy red blood cells. As part of her medical treatment while at UW Hospital, Janie received numerous blood transfusions, steroids, immunosuppressant medication, and a splenectomy.
Janie’s mother, Sally Wellnitz, decided to host a blood drive so that they can help other people like Janie with life-threatening conditions get the blood transfusions they need.
“I am so grateful for the Red Cross and for all blood donors who contributed lifesaving blood this summer,” said, Wellnitz. “They provided blood that Janie so critically needed to allow her to move forward on her recovery. This blood drive is our way to give back to others.”
Janie is a busy mom, raising twin daughters with her husband, Matt. She works seasonally and is also an active volunteer in the community, she’s currently doing well.
The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave blood this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there’s an emergency need for type O blood donors, as well as platelet donors. More donors are needed now to ensure patients at hospitals across the country continue to receive critical medical care.
Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect more than 12,500 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,500 hospitals nationwide.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
