An American Red Cross blood drive will be held in memory of AnaVictoria Segoviano Sunday, July 17, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the R. Scott Falk Family Blood Donation Site located in the Rauner Center-Chicago Red Cross headquarters, 2200 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612.
AnaVictoria, a resident of Berwyn, IL, passed away in 2017 after a courageous battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The 15-year-old is remembered as being full of life, hope and kindness.
Since then, AnaVictoria’s family endeavored to honor her memory of helping others by establishing an annual blood drive and inviting family and friends to donate blood so that cancer patients, and others, have it when they need it.
“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.”
The American Red Cross must collect enough blood every day to meet the needs of accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or sickle cell disease. 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 Greater Chicago. “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:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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