The "Fight Like Luke" blood drive was sponsored by the students and families of the Lamb of God Lutheran Church & Elementary School to support Luke Orlovsky, 7, as he battles cancer.
Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: “Fight Like Luke” Blood Drive
When: Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Lamb of God Lutheran Church and Elementary School, 6232 N. Jones Blvd.
LAS VEGAS (May 4, 2023) — When 7-year-old Luke Orlovsky was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December 2022, his family quickly learned the importance of blood donation for cancer patients. And so have their friends.
Luke’s classmates and families at Lamb of God Lutheran Church & Elementary School are sponsoring an American Red Cross blood drive Saturday, May 6, encouraging donations for Luke and other critically ill patients who need transfusions.
"Blood and platelet transfusions have been hugely important to the outcome of Luke's chemotherapy treatment,” said his mother, Kirsten Orlovsky. “They give him a boost of energy, help his body heal, and prevent dangerous side effects during chemotherapy. Luke's successful completion of treatment wouldn't be possible without generous donations of blood and platelets.”
Luke is starting his sixth round of chemotherapy this week. “He has already received seven blood transfusions and two platelet transfusions,” Mrs. Orlovsky said. “I am grateful that there are people who have donated blood so my son and many other cancer patients have the treatment they need.”
Donated blood products are often needed to treat cancer because 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 need for transfusions. “In fact, five units of blood are needed every minute to help someone going through cancer treatment,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter.
“When someone donates blood or platelets – or makes a financial gift – they are helping give patients and their families time, resources, and hope,” Flanigan said. “Patients fighting cancer need more blood than patients fighting any other disease, using nearly one-quarter of the nation’s blood supply. More people are needed to donate regularly to help meet that need.”
The Orlovsky family says they are grateful for the community support and hope for a big turnout at Saturday’s blood drive. Luke puts it simply: “Blood transfusions make me feel better.”
Give blood, get a reward
Appointments are encouraged for the “Fight Like Luke” blood drive. Should the drive reach capacity, you can still make an impact on the blood supply by donating at another upcoming drive. Donors who give blood, platelets, or plasma May 1-19 are eligible to receive a $10 e-gift card. Schedule an appointment today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
About the American Red Cross
The 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 nonprofit organization depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.