THON Partners with Red Cross to Raise Money and Blood

The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon and the American Red Cross are once again partnering to raise money for pediatric cancer treatment and research while helping to maintaining the blood supply during the winter months. Cancer patients make up nearly 20 percent of blood users, and this joint effort ensures that those who need blood will receive it. Every two seconds, a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion. One unit of blood can potentially help up to three lives - a big investment for just an hour of time.

From now until February 18, the American Red Cross will donate four dollars to the Four Diamonds Fund for every presenting donor. The donation can be credited to the THON-registered student organization of the donor's choice. Additionally, student organizations sponsor the THON blood drives. Students in the organization work to recruit donors, greet donors, and assist individuals after they donate.

THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world and is participating in its 40th year in the fight against pediatric cancer. This is the eleventh year that the American Red Cross has partnered with THON and is hoping to impact the lives of children with cancer while also increasing blood donations and first time donors.

During THON 2011, 2,979 donors representing 475 different student organizations donated 2,447 units blood. Eight hundred and twenty seven people donated blood for the first time at a THON blood drive last year.

In 2004, the event was extended to all the Penn State Commonwealth Campuses across the state. Last year, 13 different Commonwealth Campuses hosted Red Cross blood drives earned money toward their campus's THON total.

During the past eleven years, over $52,000 has been contributed to the Four Diamonds Fund in the name of Red Cross blood donors. Almost 6,000 donors have given for the first time during the partnership and more than 23,000 units of blood have been donated.

Donors are encouraged to make an appointment to donate. Donors with appointment will have priority status when entering health histories. Walk in donors will be accommodated as space permits. To view a complete list of campus blood drives and to schedule an appointment to donate, visit the blood drive page.

All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 866-236-3276 to find out more or to check eligibility requirements for donating blood.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40% of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization --- not a government agency --- and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.