Improve a Cancer Patient’s Chance of Survival - You Are Invited to Give the Gift of Life

We would like to invite you to join us & the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) on Friday 18 July 2014, at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, where we will be hosting a blood drive, in support of Nelson Mandela Day. We’re inspired by the late Nelson Mandela who was a prostate cancer survivor.

As part of our 67 minutes to the community, we are showing our support for the SANBS, because blood is vital for the treatment of cancer patients, as well as for cancer patients needing blood transfusions.

We’d like to encourage all South Africans to donate blood as part of their 67 minutes and to consider becoming regular blood donors.

Blood Donations Needed Countrywide

Although you may not be able to participate in our blood drive in Gauteng, you can still take the time to donate blood elsewhere:

ï‚· Contact the SANBS for details regarding upcoming blood drives in your area

ï‚· Commit to making regular blood donations

You can also ask to be screened as a blood platelet / plasma donor. Jeremy Smit, a childhood cancer Survivor, receives two platelet transfusions per month and relies on these to survive. By joining a special donor base that donates platelets or plasma, you can make a significant impact on cancer Survivors’ lives.  Read more re platelet donation here...

Did You Know? Cancer Patients Rely on Blood Donations

ï‚· A blood transfusion is a procedure in which blood or a blood component is transferred from one individual (donor) to another (recipient).

ï‚· Transfusions are used to replace lost components of blood, the most common components being platelets, red blood cells, plasma and cryoprecipitate.

Why Do Cancer Patients Need Blood Transfusions?

ï‚· Cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation, or the cancer itself may cause the need for a transfusion.

ï‚· Read more about the necessity of blood components received by cancer patients during transfusions...

Your Donation is Vital - Blood Can Only Be Produced by A Donor

Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body and takes away waste products. Unlike some other materials made by the body, blood cannot be made in a laboratory - it must come from a donor - YOU!

YES You CAN Donate Blood if You Are:

ï‚· between the ages of 16 and 65 years old

ï‚· weigh more than 50kg

ï‚· have eaten a good meal before donating

ï‚· lead a sexually safe lifestyle

SEE YOU ON THE 18TH OR AT YOUR LOCAL BLOOD DRIVE!

Enable Care & Support for Cancer Patients - Make Every Day a Mandela Day!

If you are not able to make a blood donation, consider giving an online donation towards CANSA's care & support programmes which enable cancer Survivors and their loved ones to cope better, as they face the challenges of fighting the disease.

Get in touch with us

Our CANSA Care Centres country-wide offer comprehensive care and support programme for all those affected by cancer to find the best care solution and advise on managing side effects of treatment, be it physical, emotional and/or spiritual.

Contact your nearest CANSA Care Centre to find out how we can help you.

Alternately, call us toll-free on 0800 22 66 22, email us at info@cansa.org.za or Write on Our Wall - be sure to join us on Facebook & Twitter and stay in touch with CANSA and others affected by cancer.