WICHITA – Patients fighting cancer need more blood than patients fighting any other disease, using nearly one-quarter of the nation’s blood supply. That’s why this February, the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society have teamed up to encourage people across the country to Give Blood to Give Time, ensuring loved ones have the strength and support to battle cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 3 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. An estimated 16,170 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Kansas this year. Many of these people will likely have a need for blood.

“A loved one’s cancer diagnosis often makes families and friends feel helpless. That’s why the Give Blood to Give Time partnership with the American Cancer Society is so important,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer, American Red Cross. “When someone donates blood or platelets or makes a financial gift, they are helping to give patients and their families time, resources and the hope they need to fight back.”

To schedule a blood donation appointment or make a financial gift, visit GiveBloodToGiveTime.org.

Some types of chemotherapy can damage bone marrow, reducing red blood cell and platelet production. Other times, the cancer itself or surgical procedures cause the problem. Blood products are often needed. In fact, five units of blood are needed every minute to help someone going through cancer treatment. Yet only 3% of people in the United States give blood. More people are needed to donate regularly to help meet the need.

“The need for blood in cancer treatments is an important and untold story,” said Gary Reedy, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society. “The American Cancer Society is excited to be working with the Red Cross on Give Blood to Give Time. Through this partnership, we want people to know there are multiple ways they can help and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.”

Individuals can honor their loved ones by making a blood donation appointment or financial contribution at GiveBloodToGiveTime.org.

Who donations help

Diagnosed with leukemia in 2017, Hannah Soderstrom’s treatment included more than 50 blood transfusions. Now 17 and in remission since last year, Hannah continues to chart her own course in life. She’s created a not-for-profit to help other children fighting childhood cancers, collected more than 250 donations through Red Cross blood drives and was inducted into the National Honor Society at Maize High School.

“I don’t want to put this experience behind me,” she said. “If you have to go through something so terrible, I think you should try to work to turn it into something beautiful.”

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Claflin

Feb. 28 - 12:30-6:30 p.m., Claflin Community Center, 409 A St.

Great Bend

Thursday, Feb. 13 - 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., CUNA Mutual Retirement Solutions, 1809 24th St.

Friday, Feb. 14 - 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Barton County Community College Case New Holland Lab, 245 N.E. 30 Road

Friday, Feb. 14 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., American Legion, 1011 Kansas Ave.

Feb. 26 - 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 3821 10th St.

Feb. 27 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

Hoisington

Feb. 24 - 12:30- 6:30 p.m., Hoisington Activity Center, 1200 Susank Road.

Larned

Feb. 21 - noon to 6 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 1216 M Rd.

La Crosse

Friday, Feb. 14 - noon to 6 p.m., LaCrosse City Auditorium, 417 Main St.

Stafford

Tuesday, Feb. 18 - 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Stafford High School, 430 E. Broadway.

Ness City

Tuesday, Feb. 18 - noon to 5:30 p.m., Ness County Fair Building, 302 W Nevada.