In October of 2017, Dave Strader lost his battle to cholangiocarcinoma, commonly known as bile duct cancer. Less than four months later, Ken Hand died of the same rare and aggressive form of cancer. Their sense of community, their kindness, and their fight against bile duct cancer has inspired countless people in Glens Falls and beyond. This special blood drive will be held Wednesday, January 9, from 12-7 p.m. at the Glens Falls YMCA, 600 Glen Street.
According to the American Cancer Society, people with cancer may need blood transfusions for many reasons, including internal bleeding and treatments like chemotherapy that may lower their blood cell counts. (https://bit.ly/2sNYerr)
The blood collected at this blood drive will offer help and hope to patients facing serious health issues, such as cancer, trauma, blood disorders and certain surgeries.
Ken Hand
After earning a bachelor’s degree, Ken Hand started his career in the United States Army, where he attended flight school. While serving our country, Ken flew different aircrafts, including air ambulances. He conducted search and rescue missions and was awarded the Army Commendation medal and Army Achievement medal for a lifesaving air mission. As a civilian, his stellar career included being a commercial pilot for UPS, a chief pilot for a law enforcement agency, and a flight instructor.
Ken was a volunteer at his children’s schools, a Eucharist Minister for his church, a dedicated blood donor, a community role model, and above all else, a loving father and husband.
Dave Strader
Known as “The Voice” of the National Hockey League, Dave Strader started his 35-year career as a broadcaster in his hometown of Glens Falls, when he took the job as first voice for the Adirondack Red Wings in 1979. He went on to cover hockey games for several organizations, including the NHL, ESPN and NBC Sports. During his remarkable career, Dave covered over 100 consecutive Stanley Cup Final Games for NHL International TV between 1997 and 2015 and called Olympic games as well. He is a Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, and an Emmy Award and New York State Broadcasters Association award winner.
One of Dave’s greatest accomplishments happened as he fought for his own life. He donated cells for future research that could one day unlock a cure for bile duct cancer. He corresponded with fellow sufferers of cholangiocarcinoma and brought attention to this aggressive form of cancer by sharing his story on national television.
He adored his wife and three children.
Wednesday, January 9
12-7 p.m.
Glens Falls YMCA
600 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY
Walk-ins welcome, but appointments encouraged. To make an appointment visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Use sponsor code IMOHAND&STRADER.
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross experiences a decline in blood donations due to the holidays and other seasonal issues. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to ensure patient needs are met in the coming weeks.
All donors who give blood or platelets in January at Red Cross blood drives in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island will receive a $5 Dunkin’ Gift Card via email as a thank you for helping save lives during January,* which is National Blood Donor Month. A valid email address must be on file at the time of donation.
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 and platelet donors can 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, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
*Red Cross donors in CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI and VT who receive this offer and come in to donate during promotional time frame (Jan. 1-31, 2019) are eligible . Limit one (1) per donor. This offer is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. Offer is subject to change at any time in the promotional time frame. Instructions on how to redeem the gift certificate voucher will be emailed to the address listed in your American Red Cross donor profile approximately 30 days after an attempted donation. The gift certificate voucher can be redeemed at GiftCertificates.com. © 2019, DD IP Holder LLC. The Dunkin’ trademarks, logos and designs are registered trademarks of DD IP Holder LLC and used under license. Dunkin’ Donuts is not a sponsor of this promotion. The Dunkin' Gift Card is subject to complete terms and conditions, which can be found at https://www.dunkindonuts.com/content/dunkindonuts/en/help/terms.html#ddcard.