Donate Blood, 'Plant the Seed of Hope' In Recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness

Each year, the parents of nearly 16,000 children will hear the words "your child has cancer." Across all ages, ethnic groups and socio-economics, cancer remains the number one cause of death in children. But despite major advances - from an overall survival rate of 10 percent just 50 years ago to nearly 90 percent today - the number of diagnosed cases annually has not declined in nearly 20 years.

And as the country marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, it's important to note that 43 children are diagnosed every day and more than 40,000 undergo treatment for cancer each year.

Thanks to cutting edge advances in medical treatment and also the hundreds of thousands of Americans who participate in the selfless act of donating blood, there are approximately 375,000 adult survivors of children's cancer currently living in the U.S.

During the month of September, LifeSource will encourage donors and the community to "plant the seed of hope" by donating blood in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness. To kick off the month, on Thursday, September 1, participating donors at all LifeSource donor centers will receive an awareness card, while supplies last, that includes seed paper in the shape of a blood drop. The floral seeds inside the paper are Forget-me-nots.

"We are encouraging donors to plant the seed paper to honor children who are battling cancer and are in need of life-supporting blood transfusions," said LifeSource Executive Director Eva Quinley. "There is currently no substitute for blood, and therefore we rely on the generous act of all of those who are eligible to donate."

Visit lifesource.org to find a community donor center near you and to schedule your donation appointment.

LifeSource hosts mobile blood drives daily and also operates 17 Community Donor Centers across the greater Chicago area. Appointments are suggested but walk-ins are always welcome. Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years of age with parental consent). In preparation for their donation, donors are asked to eat well, stay hydrated and arrive with proper identification.