Published in the May 4, 2016 edition
THE Lynnfield Middle School gymnasium, 505 Main St., is the site of Saturday’s Red Cross Blood Drive in memory of Carolyn T. Black, mother of Lynnfield resident Lori Precourt.
LYNNFIELD — The family of Carolyn T. Black would like to extend an invitation to the Lynnfield community to donate blood at an upcoming American Red Cross blood drive being held in her memory on Saturday, May 7.
The blood drive will be held at the Lynnfield Middle School gymnasium, 505 Main St., from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Carolyn was a beloved mother and loyal blood donor who personally knew the important role blood products can play in helping patients in need. She received numerous plasma donations after being diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by E. coli after eating bad beef.
Carolyn received 17 pints of plasma every single day for 22 days in an attempt to stabilize her condition. Plasma treatments gave her family the ability to spend a few more precious weeks with her before she passed. They would like to ensure other families and patients in all situations have the same ability.
“So many people depend on the kindness of strangers by giving blood,” said Lori Precourt, Carolyn’s daughter. “Without their blood, these people would have no help.”
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), who weigh at least 110 pounds and who are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or visit on Twitter at @RedCross.
