The American Red Cross Announces Second Annual Lori Dunham Gordon Memorial Blood Drive

SAVANNAH, Ga. - April 14, 2014 - PRLog -- (SAVANNAH, GA) On Saturday, April 19, The American Red Cross will host the Second Annual Lori Dunham Gordon Memorial Blood Drive at the Savannah Mall, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The blood drive will be located on the lower level of the Savannah Mall, near Center Court and across from GNC. Donors will be entered to win several giveaways, including a 32-inch TV. T-shirts will also be handed out for those who give blood. To donate, individuals must be 17 years or older, and weigh at least 110 pounds.

“My wife died from colon cancer at a very early age,” Mr. Gordon, the organizer for this blood drive said. “She was a nurse, who loved to help people. During her treatment, she needed several blood transfusions, which would not have been possible without the help of the Red Cross. I started this blood drive as a way to pay-it-forward to other patients.”

According to The American Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. One donation can help save the lives of up to three people. Although an estimated 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, less than 10% actually do each year.

“By the time Lori was diagnosed, the cancer was already in stage four,” Mr. Gordon said. “Through events like our blood drive, I am fighting for early awareness. Everyone, men and women, should get colon checks at 40 not 50. We were very thankful for the blood that was available for Lori. This blood drive will help others to get better by creating a supply for the American Red Cross.”

“Blood donors play an integral role in the delivery of modern healthcare,” said Colleen Waldorf, American Red Cross Donor Recruitment Representative. “Many life-saving medical treatments and procedures involve blood transfusions and would not be possible without a safe and reliable blood supply.”

It is suggested that donors drink plenty of fluids, wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up, and bring a list of medications that may be in their system. For more information about the donation process, visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/donation-proc...

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD PROGRAM
Started in 1940, under the leadership of Dr. Charles Drew, the American Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, and provides blood for patients in approximately 2,700 hospitals across the U.S. The Red Cross makes blood available to any patient who needs it — patients are not required to find donors to replace the blood they use (a practice common in Europe and some U.S. blood banks) allowing the patient and their family to focus on recovery. Eighty percent of the blood donations given to the Red Cross are collected at mobile blood drives set up at community organizations, companies, high schools, colleges, places of worship or military installations. The remaining 20 percent are collected at fixed Red Cross donor centers. The American Red Cross works with more than 50,000 blood drive sponsors each year to hold more than 200,000 blood drives, providing convenient locations for people to give blood.

ABOUT SAVANNAH MALL

Originated in 1990, the Savannah Mall, located at 14045 Abercorn St., features anchor stores Bass Pro Shops, Dillard’s, Target, Burlington Coat Factory and A.C. Moore. The 960,000-square-foot, two-level mall is also home to Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Gymboree, Game Stop, Champs, Claire’s, Hibbet Sporting Goods, Kay Jewelers, Marks & Morgan Jewelers, Shoe Dept., Zales Jewelers, Rue 21, Cato, Savannah Piano, LiveOak Orchids, Fitness Emporium, Relentless Records and Vapors Smoke Shop. Virginia College offers a variety of classes in areas such as cosmetology, medical billing, culinary arts, business, healthcare and more. The Savannah Mall’s Food Court features Chick-fil-a, Savannah Gyro, Sbarro Italian Eatery, Saigon Flavors, China Max, Sakkio Japan, Cajun Café and Subway. Other dining options at the mall include Ruby Tuesdays and Texas Roadhouse, along with Savannah Candy Co., Cold Stone Creamery, the Nutty Bavarian and Pete’s Italian Ice. This summer, the Savannah Mall plans to open Toby Keith I love this Bar and Grill, Pole Position Raceway and Wing Shack. The Savannah Mall has a double-decker carousel in the Food Court and soft play area on the lower level for children. For leasing information, contact Becky Orsi-Faircloth, marketing/specialty leasing manager at 912.927.9663
 or orsib@urbanretail.com. For more information about the Savannah Mall, call 912.927.7467 or visit www.savannahmall.com