Author Archives: Hailee Dunton

They Made a Hero’s Choice

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29 year-old Rachel D’Avino had her life ahead of her: she’s a behavioral therapist who was about to finish her doctorate and her boyfriend was supposed to propose to her on Christmas Eve. D’Avino’s life was just starting to unfold, but a deadly school shooting killed her and her bright tomorrow away.

Rachel D’Avino was one of the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. The massacre, which is dubbed as the second-deadliest school shooting in US history, claimed the lives of 26 people, including 20 first-graders and 6 adult staff members.

On December 14, 2012 lone gunman, 20 year-old Adam Lanza forced his way into Sandy Hook Elementary School at around 9:40 am wearing black military-style gear and started shooting using two handguns and a semi-automatic rifle. Before 10 o’clock, approximately 50-100 rounds had been fired and 26 were dead. The victims were students (eight boys and twelve girls) and six women school leaders. Lanza later shot himself in the head as police arrived. Before his rampage at Sandy Hook,  the disturbed video game fanatic shot and killed his 52 year-old mother, Nancy Lanza as she lay sleeping in bed.

Though tragic, stories of heroism and love from Sandy Hook’s school teachers touched a lot of us. In a world where the ‘self’ comes first, noble teachers who put their students’ safety ahead of theirs are what make heroes. Some of the dead were the teachers who tried their best to keep everyone safe.

"Faces with names of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre victims (Photo Credit: http://globalgrind.com)"

Faces with names of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre victims (Photo Credit: http://globalgrind.com)

Among those who died were School Principal Dawn Hochsprung, 27 year-old teacher Victoria Soto, 30 year-old teacher Lauren Gabrielle Rousseau, school psychologist Mary Sherlach, and little angels ages six to seven years old including Jessica Rekos, Daniel Barden, Olivia Engel, Benjamin Wheeler, Noah Pozner and Grace Audrey McDonnell to name a few.

The promising lives each soul could have lived had ended, but not for naught.

One thing we have no control of is the time tragedy strikes. There is no way to undo what has happened. It has struck a chord in everyone’s heart this winter. The best we can do is continue living life with optimism and faith that this too shall pass and everything will be alright.

"Sandy Hook Elementary School mourners (Photo credit: http://abcnews.go.com)"

Sandy Hook Elementary School mourners (Photo credit: http://abcnews.go.com)

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims, to the bereaved families, and to the community of Newtown, Connecticut – that in the midst of this trying time, they may find strength in one another and may find light in the darkness that briefly surrounded them.

We grieve for the unnecessary loss of lives.  Sad and heart crushing situations often serve as an awakening for everybody. Life is fragile, no one knows what can happen next. It is up to us the living to make life matter, not only for our own but for the thousands who are helpless and dependent on the help only another person can give.

There are opportunities in our lifetime where we can save lives without the danger. Blood donation is a worthy cause to champion, knowing a pint can save 3 lives. We don’t need to wait till something like the Sandy Hook massacre to happen before we are convinced to make a bold step in saving lives.

No matter what we do, our lives are the only thing we have. We wake up each day not knowing when it’ll be our last; but we have the choice to live the best way we can. No matter how small the gesture, helping others go on living is a great way to spend the time you have left.

Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines

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The Philippines is now in red alert as Typhoon Bopha hits the country this week. Bopha has now entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is expected to affect Mindanao, Visayas, Southern Tagalog, and Manila as well. Bopha, which is named locally as “Pablo”, is the 16th tropical cyclone to enter Philippines this year.

"Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines (Photo credit: http://blogs.agu.org)"

Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines (Photo credit: http://blogs.agu.org)

Bopha is anticipated to make landfall over Surigao del Norte on Tuesday morning, December 4, 2012, while it will bring rains in some parts of the country’s capital, Manila, on Friday (Dec. 7), when Bopha is likely to weaken. Robert Sawi, PAGASA weather division chief, said there could be possible landslides and floods in some parts of Mindanao such as Davao, Compostela Valley, Misamis, Lanao, Surigao, as well as in Visayas including Leyte, Bohol, Mindoro, Cebu, Panay and Negros.

PAGASA earlier warned citizens that Bopha could become a super typhoon, and maybe even stronger than Tropical storm Washi (local name “Sendong”), the late-season tropical cyclone that brought catastrophic damage in the country last December 2011. PAGASA weather forecaster Jori Loiz said that Bopha has 165 kph when it entered the country compared to Washi’s 65 kph last year.

Because of this, rigid preparations for the typhoon are made by respective local governments. The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Bicol has developed a group called “Task Force Pablo”, while residents of Babatngon, Leyte are ready to evacuate. The National Food Authority and the Department of Social Welfare and Development have already prepared relief goods and supplies for those who may be affected by Bopha’s rage.

The string of natural calamities that swept different countries around the world has taught people to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Since tropical storms are just around the corner, may we remind you to donate blood whenever possible so we can help keep up with our nation’s blood supply.

Here in BloodBanker, we publish storm warnings to warn people and inform donors so they can donate blood before a storm hits landfall. We urge people to donate blood ahead of time so in case storms whip our cities, there are sufficient blood products anytime, anywhere – whatever the season and weather.

Help eliminate the blood shortage, Join the International Blood Registry.

Easy Ways to Help and Save lives (the Sandy Aftermath)

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Help eliminate the blood shortage, Join the International Blood Registry.

Late October 2012, the world witnessed how Hurricane Sandy destroyed and slashed through the lives, homes and dreams of Americans living in the East Coast. Sandy, dubbed as the second-costliest Atlantic hurricane in history, affected 24 states in the US including Maine, Michigan, Florida, Wisconsin, New York and New Jersey. The hurricane was the worst since hurricanes Katrina or Andrew and had caused over $50 billion of estimated losses.

Aside from the damage created on properties and businesses, Sandy also threatened the blood level supplies in the country as over 300 blood drives were canceled across 14 states during the super storm’s peak. The Red Cross holds around 600 blood drives everyday to keep up with the nation’s demand for blood products, but Sandy’s untimely visit led to more than 9,000 blood and platelet donation lost.

But we are not the type to give up or lose hope in trying times like this. We all have significant roles to play in helping rebuild what our brothers in the East Coast have lost. Relief efforts from private and public groups are tremendously overwhelming, and you, yes YOU, can help, too!

Don’t worry, helping our storm-stricken brothers is not limited to giving a few dollars or food truck support- we can give a hand by donating blood to save lives. Everyone has the  ability to make a difference, maybe the severity of Sandy’s aftermath can make you roll up your sleeves and give a pint.

We are calling out to people who are blood donor material and at the right age to donate. Your blood saves lives and we’d like to ask you to start being our hero today. Our long-time heroes are getting older and we need a new crop to continue with their legacy of keeping American blood banks filled.

For first-time blood donors who want to help, we have listed below simple things you need to know before, during and after donating blood. If you get tired of reading, there’s an awesomely useful infographic you can share with your friends and family.

Before Donating Blood:

1. Choose from the list of blood donation centers in your area. Check the nearest blood donation center in your place and make an appointment ahead of time.

2. Eat iron rich foods several weeks before the donation schedule. Iron is needed by your body to help form red blood cells and bring oxygen. If you are low in iron, then you can’t donate blood. This makes it important for you eat a balanced diet where meal times  consist of red meat or protein-rich food, spinach, poultry, fish, beans, whole grains, eggs, liver, tuna, peas, iron-fortified cereals and raisins. Take citrus juice or citrus fruits because good levels of Vitamin C can help increase absorption of iron.

3. Drink a lot of water or fruit juice the night or the morning before the blood donation. Drinking plenty of water or fruit juice before donating blood helps keep your blood pressure at a normal level, being hydrated makes you less likely faint or feel dizzy. If you will donate plasma, drink around 6 to 8 glasses of water before going to the appointment. A word of caution, avoid drinking caffeinated drinks (coffee, energy drinks, iced tea and sodas) these are diuretics and will only cause dehydration.

4. It is not advisable that you give blood after a dental work. If it’s just a minor dental procedure like getting fillings or having a cleaning, you can donate blood after 24 hours. Major dental work that involves bleeding, antibiotics and a heavy dose of anesthesia will set you back from donating blood for a month. Blood banks always think of the donors and patients well-being, both parties have to be in a win-win situation (read: both are healthy).

5. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or take any medications at least 24 hours before donating blood. This is a no-brainer, like item #4 both donor and blood unit recipient must be assured of their health at the blood donation process and when transfusion is done.

6. Have a good night’s sleep. Our body restores cells during the night, the blood cells get healthier when your body has rested. Prolonged sleep deprivation at night will most likely result to low hemoglobin level and anemia- which is synonymous to being deferred as a blood donor.

"A Guide to Donating Blood"

A Guide to Donating Blood

During Blood Donation:

1. Wear a light and comfortable t-shirt with short sleeves or clothing that can easily be rolled or raised above the elbow.

2. Bring Proper Identification.Don’t forget to bring any of the following: your donor card, photo ID card, passport, driver’s license- any 2 ID’s will do as long as they’re yours and are valid. If you are a regular donor, bring your blood donor card because it can help speed up the process since your personal donor number means you have data recorded with them already.

3. Take note of the list of medications you are taking. If you’re taking any prescription medication you will be most likely deferred. You should bring a list of OTC meds, supplements or Vitamins you take regularly, the blood bank would need to know thie before allowing you to give blood.

4. Answer the questionnaire honestly. Before donating blood, you need to answer questions ranging from your present health condition to previous surgical operations to travel history and overseas residence. This is done to determine if you are eligible to give blood and to ensure safety of blood products. Your help will be useless if further testing in the blood center discovers they can’t use your blood because of unhealthy blood.

5. Bring your best friend or a relative along, or there’s nothing like having a group donation. We understand that giving blood for the first time can be frightening, so it’s better you bring a close friend or relative during your donation. Make it a group project where you have family or friends donating blood with you. There is nothing like a group donation! There’s no greater feeling than knowing you’ve saved lives by group effort. Friends and family are a good way to distract yourself from the sight of the needle being buried in your arm.

If you go solo on this, there are donor reps who go around to make donors feel at ease- these are volunteers who go around and give donors encouragement . As with any procedure that involve minimal pain and needles, talking about anything is a relief!

 

After Blood Donation:

1. Hydrate even more. Drink lots of fluids for the next 24-48 hours to replenish the fluids you lost during blood donation.

2. Rest for a few minutes. Sit down for 10-20 minutes right after donating blood. The staff will have to observe on you to ensure that you’re in good shape before leaving the blood bank. Feeling a bit whoozy is a normal feeling, there is no crime in letting your body settle a bit before standing tall and proud.

3. Eat a meal high in protein after donating your blood. Go celebrate with a hearty protein-filled meal-you’ve saved a life after all! Eat a lot of chicken, beef, beans, green leafy vegetables as these foods will help your body produce more blood for you soon.

4. Refrain for drinking alcohol for at least 8 hours after giving blood and avoid driving after the blood donation, too. Don’t take the celebration too far by making a bee-line to the bar- this is not healthy.

5. Don’t lift heavy objects for the rest of the day. Avoid doing strenuous activities for a few hours after giving blood.

Being someone’s hero is easy! You don’t have to donate millions of money to the Red Cross like celebrities or billionaires do, your healthy blood is more than enough. It’s already in your blood to save a life. As the country faces another challenge and is continually rising up from the ashes of inevitable tragedy, the best resource Americans have right now is its people.

Let us be a blessing to our fellowmen. Donate blood and share the gift of life, there is no better time than NOW!

Help eliminate the blood shortage, Join the International Blood Registry.

Hospitals evacuated as Sandy batters New York: Blood Donors Needed!

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Help eliminate the blood shortage, Join the International Blood Registry.

Around 300 patients were evacuated from New York University Hospital after generators lost power at the height of Hurricane Sandy, Monday night.

New York University Hospital is located near the East River, in an area of lower Manhattan that has been smashed with major flooding and power shortages. NYU said they were prepared with the generators so they did not evacuate patients before the storm. However, they admitted that they did not expect such heavy flooding.

"Hurricane Sandy forces hospitals to evacuate (Photo credits: huffingtonpost.com)"

Hurricane Sandy forces hospitals to evacuate (Photo credits: huffingtonpost.com)

According to Dr. Andrew Brotman, senior vice president and vice dean for clinical affairs, the hospital’s basement and elevator shafts began flooding with at least 10 to 12 feet of water on Monday, between 7 and 7:45 pm, then the hospital lost its power. Emergency generators worked but after two hours, about 90% of that power went out and the hospital decided to evacuate.

1000 hospital staff and police had to evacuate the patients, prioritizing the youngest and sickest, as they maneuvered down through the darkened stairwells. Among the first out were 20 babies in neonatal intensive care, where four of the newborns were on respirators that were breathing for them. When the black out happened, each baby was carried down while a nurse manually squeezed a bag to supply air to the baby’s lungs. Since elevators can’t be used, patients being treated for cancer and other serious illnesses were cautiously taken down through staircases.

More than 2 dozens ambulances from around the city responded to the evacuation to help transport the patients to Mount Sinai Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Long Island Jewish Hospital. Meanwhile, other New York hospitals canceled outpatient appointments and elective surgeries.

Demand for blood supplies urgent
Despite the devastating effect Sandy gave the residents of East Coast, the spirit of unity is palpable in the midst of these trying moments. Everybody who wishes to help can do so by donating to Red Cross. Help may come in the form of food, shelter, clothing, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by Sandy.

Also, blood supplies are low because about 300 hundred blood drives were canceled in 14 states across the East Coast. We cannot allow life-saving surgeries be put on hold just because there are no enough blood supplies at hospitals and blood banks. That is why we are calling all the eligible blood donors, not just in East Coast, but across United States, to roll up their sleeves and donate blood to help alleviate the shortfall.

Here are the upcoming blood drives. Please donate blood if you can.  Source: Fox News 

Wednesday 10/31/2012
Crosstown Blood Donation Center, 2330 Watt St, Schenectady, 6:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Empire State Plaza, Concourse next to Hallmark Store, Albany, 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sage College, 140 New Scotland Ave, Albany, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Fuller Road Fire Department, 1342 Central Ave, Albany, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thursday 11/01/2012
University at Albany State Quad Anthony Hall, 1400 Washington Ave, Albany, 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Albany Everett Road Blood Donation Center, 33 Everett Rd, Albany,11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Crosstown Blood Donation Center, 2330 Watt St, Schenectady, 11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Friday 11/02/2012
Samaritan Hospital, 2215 Burdett Ave, Troy, 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Albany Everett Road Blood Donation Center, 33 Everett Rd, Albany, 6:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Saturday 11/03/2012
Selkirk Fire Company 2, 301 Glenmont Rd, Glenmont, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Albany Everett Road Blood Donation Center, 33 Everett Rd, Albany, 6:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Sandy is another huge storm America had to face, but let us not allow such superstorm to destroy our hope for a bright future. Together, hand in hand, we can start anew and may this storm make us even more stronger and wiser.

Help eliminate the blood shortage, Join the International Blood Registry.

Hurricane Sandy batters the USA; Could be the Largest storm to hit the country

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Help eliminate the blood shortage, Join the International Blood Registry.

USA faces another super storm this week that is feared to cause even greater damage than Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Hurricane Sandy, has already killed 66 people in the Caribbean, could be the largest storm to hit the country, says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"Hurricane Sandy in USA (Photo credit: http://www.telegraph.co.uk)"

Hurricane Sandy in USA (Photo credit: http://www.telegraph.co.uk)

The National Weather Service says Hurricane Sandy is an extremely unique storm that will hit the U.S. and there’s gonna be a whole range of impacts associated with it. Unlike the other hurricanes that have come, Sandy is slow moving and is not expected to clear right away. People can heavy rainfall that will contribute river flooding and heavy snowfall.

Sandy is expected to bring a life-threatening storm surge to the mid-Atlantic coast, New York Harbor and Long Island Sound as it makes landfall sometime on Monday. It is headed toward a densely populated region including Washington, Boston and New York, and the superstorm’s effects could be felt for hundreds of miles. Michael Bloomberg, New York Mayor, ordered the immediate, mandatory evacuation for low-lying coastal areas such as The Rockaways, Coney Island, Red Hook, Brighton Beach and some parts of lower Manhattan along the River. This is to prevent any casualties on residents and rescuers before Sandy slashes the area.

Meanwhile, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the suspension of all MTA service, including buses, subways, Long Island Railroad and Metro North starting 7pm on Sunday. The city’s public schools and The New York Stock Exchange trading floor will be closed on Monday.

Moreover, Sandy will make landfall on late Monday night or early Tuesday morning somewhere along the New Jersey Coast. Here are other quick facts you need to know about Hurricane Sandy:

Sandy is an exceptionally powerful storm that could bring surges of 4-8 feet along the Atlantic Coast and up to a gigantic11 feet in the New York area.
Flooding is expected and 10 million could lose power.
There is 4-12 inches rainfall predictions and substantial snowfall is anticipated in the southern mountains.
Residents of the affected areas are advised to keep their devices charged. Stock up extra food and water, too. People living in near evacuation areas are asked to prepare to-go bags with their important things should they need to move quickly.

Local governments are doing their best to make immediate action towards natural calamities like these. But there’s also a predicted calamity United States might be facing anytime soon if not prevented: blood shortage. Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause loss of lives, and so does blood shortage.

Here in BloodBanker, we help in publishing storm warnings so people can be warned and will also consider doing blood donation before storms officially arrive. We urge people to donate blood ahead of time so in case storms whip our cities, there are sufficient blood products anytime, anywhere – whatever the season and weather.

Help eliminate the blood shortage, Join the International Blood Registry.

Tropical Storm Sandy in Caribbean

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Help eliminate the blood shortage, Join the International Blood Registry.

A tropical storm is about to sweep the Caribbean this week, prompting its affected countries to prepare for the upcoming storm surge.

Tropical Storm Sandy, is the 18th storm of this hurricane season. This formed, into a Tropical Storm in the Central Caribbean  and Sandy is predicted to grow into a hurricane and take a path northeastward- bringing perilous rain and winds to Cuba, Jamaica and Haiti before passing through the Bahamas.

"Tropical Storm Sandy in Caribbean (Photo Credit: winknews.com)"

Tropical Storm Sandy in Caribbean (Photo Credit: winknews.com)

Sandy reaches Jamaica on Wednesday and a hurricane warning has been issued for the country. The Embassy in Kingston and the Consular Agency in Montego Bay was closed Tuesday afternoon and whole day on Wednesday. Non-emergency services will be suspended during that time though.

Cuba also issued a hurricane warning for many of its provinces including in Las Tunas, Granma, Camaguey, Holguin, Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo. Bahamas’ government issued a tropical storm warning for the northwestern portion of the islands, while Haiti is under a tropical storm warning.

Sandy will hit Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Eastern Cuba with up to 12 inches of rain. Mountainous areas said countries may have 20 inches of rain. National Hurricane Center warned that these rains may bring life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. In the Bahamas Sandy is predicted to produce 3-5 inches only but isolated areas in the island nation may reach up to 12 inches.

Natural calamities like tropical storms and hurricanes put a chink in anyone’s scheduled appointments. Storms also hamper people from doing noble deeds like donating blood. Since tropical storms are just around the corner, may we remind you to donate blood whenever possible so we can help keep up with our nation’s blood supply.

Here in BloodBanker, we help in publishing storm warnings so people can be warned and will also consider doing blood donation before storms officially arrive. We urge people to donate blood ahead of time so in case storms whip our cities, there are sufficient blood products anytime, anywhere – whatever the season and weather.

Help eliminate the blood shortage, Join the International Blood Registry.

Intense Hurricane Paul in Mexico and Baja California

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Help eliminate the blood shortage, Join the International Blood Registry.

A category 3 storm is hurling towards the western coasts of Mexico and Baja California, prompting a hurricane warning for the two affected areas.

Hurricane Paul in Mexico and Baja California (Photo credit: http://www.cbsatlanta.com)

Hurricane Paul in Mexico and Baja California (Photo credit: http://www.cbsatlanta.com)

According to the US National Hurricane Center, the hurricane, which is named Hurricane Paul, has maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour, but forecasters said “Paul” would weaken on Tuesday, when it would reach the west coast of Baja Peninsula.

NHC also said that Paul could make isolated areas see up to 20 centimeters of rainfall and could create life-threatening mudslides and flash floods in mountainous areas, as well as dangerous ocean swells and rip currents.

State civil protection authorities reveal that they are monitoring the storm for possible evacuations and have sent advance teams to help keep up for electricity and water during the storm. Meanwhile, Mexico’s government called for a hurricane warning from Santa Fe north to Puerto San Andresito. A tropical storm watch is in effect for some other coastal areas in Paul’s projected path.

Storm warnings are given ahead of time so that residents of the affected areas are given time to prepare or evacuate before the storm arrives. Storms make us stay inside our homes most of the time and we can’t make outdoor appointments like donating blood anymore. This is why having sufficient blood supplies at hospitals and local blood banks is so important.

Here in BloodBanker, we help in publishing storm warnings so people can be warned and will also consider doing blood donation before storms officially arrive. We urge people to donate blood ahead of time so in case storms whip our cities, there are sufficient blood products anytime, anywhere – whatever the season and weather.

Help eliminate the blood shortage, Join the International Blood Registry.

On Pink Ribbons and Chemotherapy

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It’s October! There are tons of things going on in the world each day but for this month, we commemorate something close to my heart : Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Hope, Faith, Courage, Love

Pink ribbons are everywhere! You can see them in cause worthy activities across the states. Make a difference this month by attending a Breast Cancer Awareness event, give your part of the story if you are a survivor or even go have a mammogram to build awareness about breast cancer. BloodBanker supports and salutes the wonderful men and women who have made holding breast cancer awareness events every year.

History of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded on 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a yearly international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October. Like most organizations for a common cause, the major charities championing this killer cancer thought of resounding the bell on Breast Cancer for once a year.

Breast cancer patients could be: me, someone’s aunt, the lady down the street, your grade school teacher, your baker’s daughter, your male gym coach or even you. Does anyone have to go through this alone? The answer is, NO!

Every year people need to understand what has become of breast cancer and the things that scientists are doing to cure it. This month, each cancer survivor shares their story and gets women to take time to get tested- for her and her family’s sake. This year more and more charities are focused on getting information out about screening clinics.

Since August 1, 2012 the Affordable Care Act has a women’s preventive benefit. A woman has the right to use her insurance plan to get breast exams and mammograms with out worrying about costly co-pays and deductibles.

As the saying goes, “Early detection is the best protection.”

What is Breast Cancer and why Breast Cancer Patients Need Blood?
Breast Cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in the breast cells. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that evolve into surrounding tissues or spread to other areas of the body.

"Breast Cancer Patients Need Blood, too"

Breast Cancer Patients Need Blood, too

Most breast cancer patients undergo chemotherapy as part of their treatment. Chemotherapy drugs help kill the cancer cells by damaging the cell or interfering with cellular process required to support its life, gradually slowing or stopping cancer growth. Though chemotherapy does work, it harms the patient’s healthy cells too.

One complication that a breast cancer patient can have from chemotherapy is anemia. This happens when there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or below the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. Once the radiation from chemotherapy affects  the bone marrow where blood is made.

Doctors keep track of the quality of the patient’s blood after going through the treatment. Though anemia is inevitable, doctors make sure that cancer patients get the transfusion they need if blood level gets too low.

Some cases of breast cancer would call for immediate surgery to arrest the spread of the cancer cells in the body. Breast Cancer patients have the infected parts incised from them  - this procedure is bound to cause bleeding. Just like all surgeries, stand-by units of patient type blood are available.

What breast cancer patients undergo is not a piece of cake. It takes great amount of courage and strength to go on fighting against the dreaded disease. But we are here to let them know that they do not fight this battle alone. One way of doing this is by donating blood. Thousands of women with breast cancer depend on blood transfusion to survive. We know we can help them. And we will.

Breast Cancer Fact Box

What You Need To Know

Any form of  cancer is painful, breast cancer patients who go through a mastectomy don’t just deal with the surgical scar. Cancer patients, men and women, have to deal with the surgery and its effect. The best way to deal with any form of cancer is to have a very strong and stable support group. The month of October is the time to inform and aid patients and their families resume life after a trying journey.

 

Breast cancer knows no age, face or status

The best spokespersons for breast cancer are the ones who have survived and the ones who are fighting to get cured. Their fight against breast cancer proves that they are just normal persons who are susceptible to dreadful diseases like this.

Celebrity Breast Cancer Survivors

We have always looked up to them because they are always seen on screen, television and glossy magazine covers. Their lives unfold when they champion a cause that a regular woman is going through. For this article, I’ve read up on several celebrities who have struggled with breast cancer. As survivors, they have used their influence and personal experiences to inspire and encourage women who suffer the same fate as theirs.

Singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow is a living proof that early detection is the best protection against breast cancer. She was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2006 at the age of 44. The nine-time Grammy nominee was dealing with a canceled wedding engagement with Lance Armstrong at the time when she discovered about her cancer. She had minimally invasive surgery in late February 2006, which was then followed by radiation therapy. Despite being dedicated to health and fitness, Crow did not escape the fangs of cancer. But after her treatment, the singer fully recovered from the disease and is now an active advocate for breast cancer prevention and routine mammograms.

"Singers Sheryl Crow and Kylie Minogue are both Breast Cancer Survivors"

Singers Sheryl Crow and Kylie Minogue are both Breast Cancer Survivors

Aussie pop singer Kylie Minogue shocked her fans when she announced she had breast cancer in 2005. The then-36 year old singer was on a concert tour when she learned about her disease and canceled her tour to start with the treatments. The former child actress-turned-international singer underwent radiation and chemotherapy, and soon after emerged victorious from her breast cancer battle. Minogue, who received a Mo Award for “Australian Entertainer of the Year” for her live performances, proved herself a total showgirl as she graced life’s obstacles with a strong and optimistic heart. In 2011, Minogue received an honorary Doctor of Health Science degree by Anglia Ruskin University in the UK for her work in raising awareness for breast cancer.

American rock singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in October 2004 after she found a lump in her left breast while examining herself in the shower. Even though she lost her father, grandmother and aunt from cancer, she still didn’t think it would happen to her. The two-time Grammy winner had a lumpectomy, had all 15 lymph nodes removed to ensure the cancer hadn’t spread, and went through 5 rounds of radiation and chemotherapy.

After completing chemotherapy and radiation, Etheridge returned to public eye and performed in the 2005 Grammy Award. Though she was completely bald at that time, it didn’t stop the rocker from setting the Grammy stage ablaze with her amazing performance of a Janis Joplin tribute with Joss Stone. Etheridge also supports Hard Rock’s PINKTOBER for Breast Cancer program where she helps in spreading awareness about the disease and shares her message to the world.

"Melissa Etheridge and Christina Applegate are now advocates of breast cancer awareness"

Melissa Etheridge and Christina Applegate are now advocates of breast cancer awareness

Emmy Award Winner Christina Applegate was 36 years old when she was diagnosed with early stage of breast cancer in 2008. Her mother is a repeat breast cancer survivor, and knowing the odds she must face, Applegate decided to have double mastectomy to reduce the chance of the cancer to come back.

The actress has been mindful of breast cancer symptoms and has been getting regular mammograms since she was 30 years old. But her doctor suggested she get an MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) and found out she had cancer only in her left breast. Nonetheless, the comedienne opted to have two of her breasts removed to make sure the cancer won’t return anymore. In 2009, the Golden Globe and Tony Award nominee founded Right Action for Women, a charitable foundation dedicated to breast cancer screening. It also focuses on the type of MRI scan which saved the actress’ life.

Joining the list of celebrity breast cancer survivors are: The Sopranos star Edie Falco, Australian singer Olivia Newton John, two-time Academy Award winner Maggie Smith, fashion designer Betsey Johnson, TV news anchor Hoda Kotb, Good Morning America’s broadcaster Robin Roberts, and actress Jaclyn Smith.

The roll of breast cancer survivors runs a mile – whether they are celebrities or normal people – and each survival story is worth telling. BloodBanker honors and admires all the breast cancer survivors and those who have succumbed to the disease around the world. To all the women who are currently fighting against breast cancer, we revere your bold spirit and be assured that our hearts go out with your journey.

You may know someone who has, once had or died from breast cancer. We ask your support in spreading awareness of this message, and of course, we seek that you help THEM with your donated blood.

We are one in celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we are here to spread news that life’s greatest enemy is not disease, but despair.

Support Breast Cancer Awareness month; cure despair with hope, faith, courage and love.

 

Tropical Storm Nadine in Azores

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Tropical Storm Nadine, the 14th tropical cyclone of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, is forecast to strike the Azores on October 4, at about 07:00 GMT. As of October 2, 2012, Nadine had a maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and was expected to produce between 1-2 inches of rain over Azores through Thursday.

Azores is a group of islands situated in the North Atlantic Ocean and west of Lisbon, Portugal. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) anticipates tropical storm conditions associated with Nadine to reach over the northwestern Azores during the night hours on Wednesday, October 3 and early October 4.

"Tropical Storm Nadine in Azores (Photo credits: http://www.upi.com)"

Tropical Storm Nadine in Azores (Photo credits: http://www.upi.com)

Tropical Storm Nadine is a very long-lived tropical cyclone that has lasted around 23 days in the northeast Atlantic Ocean. In line with this, BloodBanker strongly encourages all the residents in Azores to prepare for the coming rainy days. Store foods and water in your kitchen, have first-aid kits, and secure your important documents like insurance policies, passports, birth certificates and irreplaceable papers in a waterproof box or bag.

Storm preparedness doesn’t just stop at our respective homes. We also have to make sure that our hospitals and blood banks have sufficient supplies of blood so that when someone needs it, he won’t need to wait for donors anymore.

Here in BloodBanker, we have been publishing storm warnings for all countries where tropical storms are headed. We urge people to donate blood ahead of time so in case storms whip our cities, there are sufficient blood products anytime, anywhere – whatever the season and weather.

Help eliminate the blood shortage, Join the International Blood Registry.

Super Typhoon Jelawat in Japan

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A new super typhoon is heading to Japan, particularly near Okinawa on Friday, September 28, 2012.

"Tropical Storm Jelawat in Japan (photo credits: accuweather.com)"

Tropical Storm Jelawat in Japan (photo credits: accuweather.com)

Jason Nicholls, World Weather Expert, warned residents of Okinawa and Ryukyu Islands to prepare themselves for a direct hit of Jelawat. The islands can be victims of the storm’s damaging winds in excess of 75 mph, dangerous seas and extreme rain and flooding. Impact of the super typhoon will start on the Ryukyu Islands early this weekend with large seas and increasing squalls. The worst conditions will be experienced by late Saturday and Sunday.

By the time Jelawat reaches mainland Japan early next week, it may be a tropical storm or transitioning to a non-tropical storm. But it may still release rain that can potentially cause major flooding in some areas. Tropical Storm conditions will most likely happen on Monday and Tuesday in Tokyo.

People should keep their heads together when there are storm warnings so that necessary precaution measures can be done ahead of time. Preparing the community for the disaster can be done by helping hospitals and blood banks have enough blood supplies. In this way, people who need blood in the midst of storms need not to worry where to get the resources to help them live.

Here in BloodBanker, we have been publishing storm warnings for all countries where tropical storms are headed. We urge people to donate blood ahead of time so in case storms whip our cities, there are sufficient blood products anytime, anywhere – whatever the season and weather.

Help eliminate the blood shortage, Join the International Blood Registry.