MORGANTOWN, W.Va.– The 5th annual Robin Troy Memorial Blood Drive will be held this Thursday June 25th in the Faith Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 809 Greenbag Road.
The blood drive is to honor the life of Robin Troy, a mother and grandmother whose battle with breast cancer ended in 2011. Ronda Bachar, a friend of Robin’s, said Robin was active in her community and wished to help others. The blood drive is a way to continue her efforts.
“The last six weeks of Robin’s life were spent in the hospital, and as part of her treatment she received multiple transfusions of blood and plasma. These transfusions gave her and her loved ones a few more precious days together,” Bachar said.
Evan Thorn from the American Red Cross said blood donations only have a shelf life of six weeks, and blood donors can only donate every eight weeks. That is why new donors are always needed. He also said that the number of donations typically goes down in the summer.
Thorn also said the staff is very good with those who have a fear of needles.
Bachar said eating foods rich in vitamin C and iron, drinking plenty of non-caffeinated beverages, and getting plenty of rest can help make sure your blood donation will go smoothly.
While he encourages everyone to donate, Thorn said there are a few special cases.
“There are some restrictions on certain things. The best thing to do is go to redcrossblood.org. You will see an eligibility tab. It will talk about travel and medications someone might be on,” Thorn said.
If you are eligible, you are encouraged to come out and donate, especially if you have a rare blood type, such as O negative, O positive, A negative and B negative. Bachar told WAJR one donation can save up to three lives.
“People who save lives are called heroes, and blood donors are heroes. How often do you have the opportunity to be a hero to someone? Please come out and donate,” Bachar said.
The blood drive will take place from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to redcross.org and enter in Robin Troy to schedule an appointment.