They Want Your Blood

A dear reader writes an appeal for help. Not for herself, but for Evanston Hospital's blood drive. She, and RPB, ask that you give it your careful consideration. She wrote: At first glance, this might seem like it's for Evanston, but that is not the case. Only a few hospitals have the special equipment needed for collecting platelets, and Evanston is the one closest to us. Plenty of Rogers Park people are served by Evanston Hospital's Blood Bank. And the need for platelets is for everyone -- cancer, bone marrow transplants, leukemia, major surgery, premature babies . . . they know no boundaries. If just a few more people do it, lives will be saved. Platelets are needed by the people most at risk, and there are no good alternatives. The shelf life of platelets is only five days. That, and the increase in need, make the need so urgent. From Evanston Hospital's web site: Summers are the worst. We need 125+ units of platelets per month to serve our community. So now we are not just asking – we’re challenging the residents of north Chicagoland! Surely, with more than 200,000 people in our community, we can make it to 125. We’ve all heard and said these words when someone is ill or injured: “Just let us know if there’s anything we can do – anything!” Guess what? You and a friend can save two lives in just a couple of hours! Sweet deal. How? Donate platelets – an essential blood component. When platelets are needed, it’s pretty much always a lifesaving measure. Patients facing chemotherapy, surgery, bone marrow transplants, other serious conditions, and premature infants need platelets. When there’s a shortage, it’s tragic. Platelets can only be stored for five days, so the need is ongoing. It’s safe. I hurts no more than a blood test. It’s easy. You also get free parking, a free meal while you donate, good company, exceptional donation staff, and tons of gratitude. For more information, please visit the hospital's web site.