that it has formed a partnership with the Adam Faulk Tanksley
Foundation to help raise awareness about the importance of blood
donation in the community and about pediatric cancer.
"During Adam's treatment, he received numerous blood and platelet
transfusions, which were given on a weekly, and sometimes, daily
basis. Through this experience, we became more aware of the need and
importance of blood and blood products as a means to implement
appropriate treatment plans. The supply of blood needed just for Adam
was great," said Sharon Tanksley, mother of five-year-old Tanksley,
who was diagnosed with Stage IV Anaplastic Wilms' Tumor in Jan. 2008.
"It is hard to imagine how much blood a hospital would need to care
for all patients. We are determined personally and as an established
foundation to do our part to ensure all patients have access to blood
if and when they need it!"
As part of the collaboration, CBCC and the foundation will co-host
four blood drives this year on the following Saturdays from 9:00
a.m.-2:00 p.m. – March 20, May 29, Sept. 25 and Dec. 11. The blood
drives will take place at Harrison United Methodist Church located at
15008 Lancaster Highway in Charlotte. Visit www.cbcc.us/donate or call
704-972-4700 for more information.
Added Sharon Tanksley, "We hope everyone will take part in giving of
themselves and donate blood with the Community Blood Center of the
Carolinas to support our efforts."
"It is an honor for all of us at CBCC to partner with Adam Tanskley
and the foundation that bears his name," said Martin Grable, president
and CEO of Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. "Adam's spirit,
'Fights Like a Gator', exemplifies the battle patients young and old
wage in our community every day. Through the foundation, Adam's spirit
will give hope to others and raise awareness of the need for blood.
Local patients in our hospitals need blood daily for their treatment
of cancer, cardiovascular disease, transplants and trauma. We meet
their needs through the generosity of local donors. We all have the
power to heal, it's in our blood."
About the Adam Faulk Tanksley Foundation
The Adam Faulk Tanksley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit
corporation established solely to make a difference in the lives of
children and their families affected by pediatric cancer. By raising
funds and bringing awareness through fun and uplifting events, our
mission is to help find a cure for pediatric cancer. The Foundation
has recently committed $500,000 to Levine Children's Hospital. The
contribution will directly impact the hospital's ability to provide
local access to high-level clinical trials and cancer-related studies
for its pediatric cancer patients. For more information, visit www.chompchildhoodcancer.org
.
About Community Blood Center of the Carolinas
The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is an independent, locally-
managed, non-profit community blood center providing more than 90
percent of the blood supply to the 14 area hospitals that serve 11
North Carolina and three South Carolina counties. The Center's mission
is to be the steward of a community resource, lifesaving blood. CBCC
is strictly a blood center, completely focused on gathering red blood
cells, platelets and plasma from volunteer donors to save local lives.
Every drop of blood collected stays here to help people in our
community.
The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is a member of America's
Blood Centers, a group of 76 independent blood centers that supplies
50 percent of the country's blood. It subscribes to a community-based
blood banking philosophy. That means community donors know that the
blood they give stays in our community first -- helping family
members, friends and neighbors. Excess supply is shared with other
communities when needed. For information on blood drives near you,
visit www.cbcc.us or call (704) 972-4700. You may also donate blood
at CBCC, located at 4447 South Boulevard in Charlotte, 1212 Spruce
Street in Belmont or at 600 Hospital Drive in Monroe.
Become a "fan" of the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas on
Facebook or follow us on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/CommBloodCtr.
