Neighbor News
Donate blood, save lives May 25 at Fishers Farmers' Market
From 8-11:45 a.m., Indiana Blood Center will accept donations at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in downtown Fishers
Evan Meade was 16 years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia.
Two days after getting the news, he was put in a sedated coma as his major organs were failing. After life-saving blood transfusions, his condition stabilized.
Numerous blood transfusions at the end of chemotherapy rounds saved Meade’s life as he battled the disease. “After each transfusion, I felt better,” he said. “I had more energy. I felt stronger.”
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Visitors to the Fishers Farmers’ Market on May 25 can help save lives like Meade’s by donating life-saving blood to the Indiana Blood Center, part of Versiti. From 8-11:45 a.m., the center’s bloodmobile will accept donations at the market, located at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in downtown Fishers.
“We’re encouraging shoppers to help us keep the local blood supply stable surrounding this Memorial Day weekend,” said Kristine Pierce, field representative with Indiana Blood Center. “Everyone who gives the gift of life by donating blood will receive a $10 e-gift card of their choice while supplies last.”
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Today, as a healthy young adult, Meade said he didn't know how critical blood donations were until his life was on the line. “People gave blood for me and saved my life,” he said. “They did that for me.”
Donating blood takes about an hour. Anyone age 17 or older in good health who meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Parental consent is required for donors age 16 to donate blood. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.
Appointments for donating blood at the Fishers Farmers’ Market bloodmobile are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 317-916-5150 or visit Versiti.org/Indiana.
More than 90,000 Indiana residents each year give blood through the Indiana Blood Center, a non-profit organization founded in 1952 that operates blood centers in Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Greenwood, Lafayette and Terre Haute. The center also operates many community blood drives throughout the state. Indiana Blood Center provides a continuous and safe supply of blood and biological services to Hoosiers, nearly 80 Indiana hospitals and beyond.