As part of her treatment, Joanne has received transfusions of blood and blood products, including platelets. Every day, men, women and children just like Joanne are diagnosed with various illnesses and injuries. Their treatments may include the transfusion of blood and blood products like platelets. Donors of all blood types are needed to make those platelets, which are a fragile component made from a whole blood donation. Platelets collected through blood donations help patients until their own bodies can supply the platelets needed to control bleeding.
Platelets have a short life-span ofjust five days.
Joanne's family and friends know just how important donating blood is. In fact, they are now organizing a blood drive in her honor. We were talking about it at the American Legion where she's been a memberfor years. This blood drive will be coordinated as a gesture to my sister, on behalf of her many friends who have said they would like to do something to help. Robert says Joanne's husband, Archie, is very supportive of this blood drive effort because he sees just how blood products can help someone in need.