Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
DRAPER, Utah (Dec. 10, 2024) — Family and friends of 21-year-old Anders Sandberg are coming together to rally behind him as he hopes for a successful recovery following a recent bone marrow transplant. To honor Anders and his battle with a rare blood condition, the Draper community is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the South Mountain Stake, 1911 E. Gray Fox Dr., from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Anders, a graduate of Corner Canyon High School and a current University of Utah student, was diagnosed with aplastic anemia on Oct. 25. This rare condition severely limits the production of new red and white blood cells and platelets in the bone marrow. To sustain his life while waiting for a matching bone marrow donor, Anders underwent numerous blood and platelet transfusions.
Just before Thanksgiving, a donor match was found, allowing Anders to undergo a lifesaving bone marrow transplant at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He and his family are now closely monitoring for positive signs that his body will accept the transplant.
“We are forever grateful to the many people who gave Anders the gift of life through blood and platelet donations,” said Jeff Peo, Anders’ uncle. “By hosting this blood drive, we hope to help others who are in desperate need of critical blood transfusions.”
Patients like Anders rely on donated blood to treat life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, kidney disease and complications from sickle cell disease. Blood transfusions are also essential for patients experiencing severe trauma or undergoing major surgery.
Make Your Appointment for Anders’ Blood Drive
Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment for Anders’ blood drive by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use sponsor code Anders to book an appointment for Wednesday’s blood drive.
If no immediate donation slots are available, donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment for a later date to help maintain a steady blood supply. The holiday season often disrupts blood collections due to seasonal illnesses, winter weather and increased travel, making every donation critically important.
“Donating blood is a simple act with a profound impact,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Patients like Anders rely on these life-saving resources, and the availability of blood can literally mean the difference between life and death.”
Host a blood drive
The Red Cross of Utah invites businesses, churches, schools and community groups to host blood drives. Teaming up with the Red Cross to organize and host a blood drive provides an opportunity to give back to your community. The Red Cross offers planning assistance and recruitment tools to help ensure your drive attracts donors. On the day of the drive, the Red Cross supplies equipment, materials and trained staff. Learn more at redcrossblood.org/host-a-drive.
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 follow us on social media.