Donating blood is a great way to help people battling cancer! A cancer or leukemia patient requires 2 to 6 units of red blood cells, and 6 to 8 units of platelets every day for 2 to 4 weeks.

In order for you to be eligible to donate blood, you must:

• Be 17 years old or older (or 16 if allowed by your state)
• Weigh more than 110 pounds
• Be in good health
• Have not donated blood in the past 8 weeks
• Check out this comprehensive list from the red cross
  

If you aren't eligible don't worry there are still ways to help a blood drive in your area.

Not sure where to donate?

Blood drives are always taking place all over the country. Luckily for us, it’s pretty easy to find them. [Click Here] to locate a drive near you

Unsure about donating?

Totally understandable. Some people really hate needles. Some think that they don’t have blood to spare. Read on to debunk blood donating myths and see why donating is an awesome thing to do.

1.) “I’m scared of the needle!” Sound like you? Well, lots of people are…BUT, most people say that all the feel is a little pinch at the very beginning. The donation will only take about 7-10 minutes, so after that, your done!

2.) “What if I get AIDS?” You won’t! Though AIDS education always warns people of using shared needles while using drugs, blood donations are always taken with a new, sterile needle. There is no risk of contracting the AIDS virus.

3.) “A pint of blood?? That’s SO MUCH!” Actually, it’s not so much. You really do have plenty to spare. In your body, you probably have about 10-12 pints. Plus, doctors say that your body quickly replaces the blood you donate.

4.) “I don’t know where to donate.” Okay, so after reading this page, you should not be saying this. Scroll back up! Or, if you’re too lazy, here’s the link (AGAIN) that can help you find a blood drive near you! [Click Here!]

5.) “I hate the sight of blood.” Then close your eyes! Actually, the blood goes straight into a bag that most likely won’t be hanging right in front of your face. (When I donated, the bag was far to my left and, thankfully, out of sight!)

Sources:

AABB (American Association of Blood Banks) - www.aabb.org
American Red Cross - www.givelife.org