CHICAGO (June 13, 2017) — An American Red Cross blood drive will be held in memory of AnaVictoria Segoviano Monday, June 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rush University Medical Center, 1650 West Harrison St., Chicago.
Segoviano recently passed away after a courageous battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The 15-year-old is remembered as being full of life, hope and kindness.
“AnaVictoria was a fighter, gentle and beautiful person and our goal is to help other young patients and the community at large,” said Elizabeth Segoviano, AnaVictoria’s mother. “My daughter was a recipient of blood products and we believe she benefited greatly from receiving blood.”
Volunteer blood donors of all types are needed to help save lives. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with the Segoviano family,” said Celena Roldan, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois. “We sincerely admire this family’s bravery and dedication to help others by encouraging blood donation.”
Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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 have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois:
The American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois serves 9.5 million people in 21 counties including Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lake, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Putnam, Stephenson, Whiteside, Will and Winnebago. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit us at redcross.org/il/chicago or visit us on Twitter @ChicagoRedCross.