Donate blood and join in on the fight against cancer

Updated: 09/05/2014 6:04 PM Created: 09/05/2014 5:38 PM WNYT.com By: Benita Zahn

Blood transfusions go hand in hand with high dose chemotherapy to save the lives of cancer patients. But too often, doctors worry there will be blood when it's needed.

Dr.Sami Brake is a cancer specialist at New York Oncology- Hematology. He says "We run short of platelets, of blood products all the time. So it's important for people in the community to be aware of this problem that we have all the time."

Many of the treatments he relies on depress a patient's ability to make new blood cells, so donated blood is critical to their survival. When there's a lag between ordering treatment and blood arriving, sometimes from hours away, it's worrisome. And it's not something cancer patients like Cindy Applebaum need to have on their mind.

" When they basically tell you they're killing everything inside of your body. Your entire immune system is completely wiped out" says Cindy.

That's what she endured in advance of her stem cell transplant with her own stem cells to fight her blood cancer: multiple myeloma. In short, without donated blood she could never have survived the treatment that's her only chance for remission of her disease.

" You're at rock bottom, I guess, is the best way to describe it. And the blood and platelets actually help enhance the growth of the new cells that you need to survive" she says.

Cindy's two, grown kids were at her side through her treatment - along with her brothers, other family and dear friends. All critical to her well being. But she's clear -- while their support and love is invaluable, it was the kindness of strangers who gave the gift of life, that gave her the chance for survival.

"It really takes everybody in the community fighting for it."

You can donate blood on Monday, September 8 at our Save a Life Blood Drive.

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Donate blood and join in on the fight against cancer