As part of his treatment to battle the disease, Charlie immediately began chemotherapy and is currently undergoing radiation. Everyday, men, women and children just like Charlie are diagnosed with various types of cancer and leukemia. Their treatments, like Charlie's, may include transfusions of blood and blood products like platelets. Donors of all 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 of only five days.
Charlie's Angels Charlie has a lot of living left to do. Along with his wife, he has four daughters and two grandchildren. His daughters, in fact, have chosen to honor their father in a very special way. In addition, the Hamann family is honoring Charlie by holding a blood drive in his name. They would like to thank all those blood donors who give the gift of life, and are sharing this story as a way to raise awareness about the need for blood and blood products.