Fox Valley Orthopedics, ATI Physical Therapy to host blood drive and cheek swab
Together with Heartland Blood Centers and Be The Match National Marrow Donor Program, Fox Valley Orthopedics and ATI Physical Therapy in Geneva will be hosting a blood drive and cheek swab from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28. All donors will receive a free gift for participating, plus be entered into a raffle for various prizes, including Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls tickets.
The blood drive will be facilitated by Heartland Blood Centers and welcomes donors 17 years of age or older. Walk-ins are welcome, and those interested in making an appointment may do so by visiting heartlandbc.org and clicking "blood drives."
In addition to the age requirement, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, have at least an 8-week interval between their last regular blood donation and be free of a fever, sore throat or cough. A photo I.D. is required at the time of donation, and participants are encouraged to drink plenty fluids and eat a healthy meal prior to donating.
In addition to the blood drive, Be The Match will be on site conducting simple cheek swabs to connect patients with prospective bone marrow donors. No appointments are necessary to participate in the cheek swab, but participants must sign up as a committed registry member, meet age and health requirements, plus be available to donate to any patient in need. Those between the ages of 18 and 44 are encouraged to visit bethematch.org for more information.
Tony Placek, regional vice president with ATI Physical Therapy, is proud to partner with these great organizations, not only to help thousands across the nation, but those very close to home. "As someone who has been affected personally with a life-threatening disease that required both blood and bone marrow donations, I understand how very important lifesaving drives like these can be. Because of our partnership with Fox Valley Orthopedics, and the phenomenal work Cassie Mandala with FVO has done to organize this, we were able to connect with a local girl who will benefit in more ways than one."
Six-year-old Sophia from Crystal Lake, who is on the waiting list for a bone-marrow transplant, was connected to the ATI Foundation because of this drive, and has been named as its most recent beneficiary. Sophia and her family will be receiving a monetary donation to assist with her medical needs as she fights her disease.
"We hope our involvement with this drive not only helps Sophia find the match she needs, but sheds a light on the challenges many like her are facing," said Terry Williams, ATI Foundation director. "We are thrilled to have connected with Sophia and look forward to helping enhance her quality of life." Founded by ATI Physical Therapy, the ATI Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that gives help and hope to children with physical impairments.
The Oct. 28 drive will take place in the Education Room - North Building at 2535 Soderquist Court in Geneva. All donors with questions on the drive can contact Cassie Mandala at cassiem@fvortho.com.
For additional information, visit Fox Valley Orthopedics at fvortho.com, ATI Physical Therapy at ATIpt.com, or ATI Foundation at ATIFoundation.com.