Santa Gives First Gift of the Season

by Presenting to Donate Platelets with Red Cross

WEST HENRIETTA, NY (12/14/2007)(readMedia)-- --

What: Santa Claus is making his first stop of the season early this year at the American Red Cross
Apheresis Donor Center. Platelet donations are are a much needed gift during the holiday season when donations are typically low
Who: “Santa Claus,” a.k.a., Holland Patent Resident Doug Churcher
When: Tuesday, Dec. 18,
12:00 p.m.,
Refreshments: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: American Red Cross Apheresis Donor Center,
4685 Commercial Drive,
New Hartford, NY 13413

Background: Apheresis is a special kind of blood donation that allows donors to give just one blood component — platelets, the cells that help stop bleeding, or plasma, the liquid portion of blood. During an apheresis donation, whole blood is drawn from a donor and spun in a centrifuge that removes the needed component and returns the rest of the blood to the donor.

Platelets, which must be transfused within five days of donation, are principally used for people with different forms of cancer, leukemia and other bone marrow disorders. A single apheresis platelet donation can help the lives of two patients.

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