ELLETTSVILLE — Ian Slabaugh, 14, has been battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) for the last five years. He lives in Ellettsville but travels nearly 55 miles frequently to receive his treatments from Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.
He received a bone marrow transplant from his sister Neely in July 2020 but found out this past November that the transplant did not work.
“Giving blood is the lifeline to so many people, including my son,” said Amy Slabaugh, Ian’s mother. “We are holding this blood drive in Ian’s honor to encourage people to think about the lives they are saving by taking time to donate blood.”
“A few minutes of your time to donate blood could make a lifetime difference,” said Lance White, account representative for the American Red Cross.
The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,500 hospitals nationwide. In Indiana alone, the Red Cross needs about 350 donors each day to support patients at 80 hospitals across the state. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those who rely on blood products.
Donate Blood in Honor of Ian Slabaugh on Saturday, July 24, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Ellettsville Christian Church at 731 Independence Street in Ellettsville, IN 47429.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and 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 and platelet donors can 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross: The Indiana Region serves 104 counties across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois through its six-chapter areas: Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). For more information on the Indiana Region: www.redcross.org/indiana. Follow the Indiana Region on Twitter at @INRedCross, on Instagram at @indianaredcross, or www.facebook.com/INRedCross.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
