Hawthorn Mall hosts 12-hour blood, marrow registry drive
The number of blood donations between Thanksgiving and Christmas traditionally dip to low levels. For those reasons, LifeSource is asking those who are eligible to make an appointment to donate blood in order to ensure that area hospitals have an adequate supply on hand.
Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills will host a 12-hour LifeSource blood and marrow drive from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, on the mall's upper level next to Barnes & Noble, 122 Hawthorn Center, on Route 60, just west of Milwaukee Avenue.
For those like 13-year-old Max Lewis of Barrington, blood donations are invaluable. This past April, Max received a stem cell transplant after being diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare disease that affects bone marrow development. His treatments included several blood transfusions to help manage symptoms, including low blood cell counts.
In addition to blood donations, participants will be able to join the national bone marrow registry, Be the Match, and have a chance to help thousands of men, women and children in the United States like Max who are battling life-threatening diseases.
The quick and painless process includes completing a short health review and registration form and an inner cheek swab. Learn more about Be the Match at lifesource.org/bonemarrow.
Numerous Hawthorn Mall retailers have pledged their support and will provide incentives and raffle prizes for those who donate on Dec. 20.
Retailer My Man Cave will provide an autographed photo of Bobby Hull; Aveda will provide neck and shoulder massage coupons; chocolatier Godiva will provide a gift basket; AMC Theatres will provide gift cards; Dave & Busters will provide Power Cards; and Hawthorn Mall will donate tote bags. Additional participating retailers include Sprint, 5 Elements Nail Spa, YuKids Island Chicago, and Sbarro.
The blood donation process takes about an hour and is both safe and comfortable. Proper identification is required to donate blood. A LifeSource or military ID, driver's license or employee badge with a picture and full name are all approved forms of identification. A birth certificate, along with a picture ID that includes the donor's full name, will also be accepted.
To make an appointment, call (877) 543-3768 or visit LifeSource.org and search group code 179B. Appointments are suggested, but walk-ins are welcome. Donors must be at least 18 years old (ages 16 and 17 can donate with parental consent).
In preparation for their donation, donors are asked to eat well, stay hydrated and arrive with proper identification.