During these lazy days of summer, it can be easy to forget about those who are less fortunate. The American Red Cross has been facing a nationwide emergency in the past few months, as blood donations have fallen steeply.
The Greater Alleghenies Region of the American Red Cross is looking to cover lost ground, and honor a local resident battling leukemia, with a blood drive and bone marrow registry from noon to 6 p.m. today at Indigo, 112 W. College Ave., State College.
The drive, which will be held on Indigo’s dance floor, is in honor of Peter Loftus, a member of the Hotel State College physical plant staff for more than a decade.
A former Marine who attended Penn State, he has been battling chronic myelomonocitic leukemia for about a year and has had numerous blood and platelet transfusions. He has also endured multiple chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments, but will need a bone marrow transplant to fight the disease.
The Greater Alleghenies Region of the American Red Cross supplies about 80 hospitals locally from central Pennsylvania though Northern Kentucky. About 900 people are needed each weekday to donate blood or platelets to help patients in need.
The chapter fell more than 10,000 units short of expected collections in July alone, said Wendi Keeler, a field representative for the American Red Cross.
All donors will receive two passes to Indigo or a $5 gift card to the Corner Room as well as a “pint for a pint” coupon for ice cream from Galliker’s Dairy. The Corner Room will provide food to all people after their donation.
Blood donation appointments can be by calling the Hotel State College at 237- 4350. Appointments are strongly recommended. For specific eligibility questions, call 866-236-3276 or visit www.redcrossblood.org
Looking good, feeling good
Cancer can be debilitating both physically and mentally, but for women who are battling the disease, looking good can provide a boost to their self-esteem and outlook. The American Cancer Society-Centre Unit will hold a “Look Good ... Feel Better” workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Geisinger-Scenery Park, 200 Scenery Drive, College Township.
The workshop, which is held two or three times a month at various locations, provides instruction by cosmetologists to women with cancer on how to “essentially look better and therefore feel better,” said Jenn Schweighauser, health initiatives representative for the cancer society’s unit.
The women learn techniques such as drawing on eyebrows and moisturizing skin, as well as how to cope with hair loss by using wigs, scarves and other head coverings.
Participants in the workshop, in addition to receiving instruction, will take home a free bag of cosmetics donated by Personal Care Products Council Foundation. For more information, visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org or call 800-227-2345.
Stephanie Koons writes this weekly column featuring news from the Centre Region. Contact her at 235-3927 or skoons@centredaily.com.
