Sentinel staff report–
Mobile blood donation buses will be set up across from Sunrise Mall this Friday through Sunday offering free movie tickets to donors who participate in a blood and marrow drive in support of a Sacramento-area reporter who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia.
While BloodSource’s “bloodmobiles” are a regular sight in the Marketplace at Birdcage parking lot on Sunrise Boulevard, the upcoming “Thanks for Giving Blood & Marrow Drive” involves Fox40, BloodSource, and Be The Match, who have all teamed together to support reporter Gary Gelfand, whose recent diagnosis requires a bone marrow transplant.
Gelfand had been a familiar face on Fox40’s morning news team and also served as co-host of Studio40 Live, but is currently on medical leave after his latest diagnosis, according to an update posted on social media by Fox 40 last month. The news station said Gelfand had beaten the same diagnosis eight years ago, but is again undertaking the battle.
“As Gary awaits a bone marrow transplant, he has asked FOX40 to host this blood drive and grow our blood and marrow donor community to save the lives of the thousands of patients needing transplants like him,” said Alexander Sigua, who serves as public relations manager for BloodSource. Sigua said all donors will receive a promo code that can be redeemed online for a complimentary movie pass.
Those interested in adding their name to a marrow registry in support of Gelfand are invited to do so at BeTheMatch.org and enter the referral code: GaryFOX40. Registration takes approximately 10 minutes and donors are asked a series of questions that include providing a brief medical history and personal contact information, which enables donors to be contacted if called on as a match.
To be eligible as a whole blood donor, participants must be at least 18 years old, or as young as 16 with parental consent. BloodSource also requires that participants weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, have photo identification, and be in good general health.
In addition to regular blood drives, BloodSource accepts donations at more than a dozen centers around the state, with the closest being at the corner of Madison Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard. The Sacramento-based nonprofit helps provide blood to over 40 hospitals and 30 counties in Northern and Central California, according to its website.
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Blood Drive Info:
Feb. 23-25, 2018
MarketPlace at Birdcage (in front of Men’s Wearhouse)
6177 Sunrise Blvd.
Citrus Heights
Friday: 9 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
