Blood Donations Help Local Man Who Has Incurable Disease - Secondary Myelofibrosis

Every two seconds, someone in the US is in the need of blood. Blood donations are not only used for trauma patients and surgeries, they are also necessary for cancer patients, obstetrics, and patients with blood disorders. Many people want to give back to the community but may not have a lot of time to volunteer. In only about an hour, volunteer blood donors can help save lives and feel instant gratification. Summer is one of the most challenging times of the year for the Red Cross to collect blood and platelet donations with schools that host blood drives on break and many people enjoying vacation and other seasonal activities. Yet patients don't get a vacation from needing lifesaving blood during the summer months. Blood is a perishable product that can only come from generous volunteers. By donating blood, individuals can make a difference in the lives of patients in their community and throughout the nation.
Ron and Janet White live outside the Village of New Glarus with their dog, Bailey. In 2009, Ron was diagnosed with Secondary Myelofibrosis. This is a bone marrow disorder that disrupts the body's normal production of blood cells. As a result, his body has trouble producing oxygen in his blood. According the Mayo Clinic, Myelofibrosis is a rare condition, with about 1.5 cases reported per 100,000 people each year in the United States. It occurs in both men and women. People of any age can have myelofibrosis, although it is more likely to be diagnosed in people over age 50.
There is no cure for Secondary Myelofibrosis, but blood infusions, help Ron to lead a fulfilling life. In 2016, Ron needed three infusions, so far in 2019, he has needed 15 infusions. The process begins with lab work done locally at the UW Family Clinic. Then if he needs an infusion, he goes to the hospital. The entire process will involve two units and take from five to eight hours.
Ron says he is so grateful to everyone who donates blood, and he will be on hand at the New Glarus Community Blood Drive on August 2, 2019, to answer any questions.
New Glarus Community Blood Drive will be held on August 2, 2019, at the New Glarus Bible Church, on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 6th Street, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Due to the 3rd Avenue road construction, access is best by either taking Durst Road down to 3rd Avenue or take 2nd Avenue to 6th Street to 3rd Avenue.
To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire found at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.