Platelet Donation
Why are platelets so important?
Platelets are tiny cells in your blood that form clots and stop bleeding. For millions of Americans, they are essential to surviving and fighting cancer, chronic diseases, and traumatic injuries. Every 15 seconds someone needs platelets. Platelets must be used within five days and new donors are needed every day. That’s why we need you.
"I’ll never forget the feeling of gratitude that washed over me when I saw those platelets going into my husband’s body. I imagined the faces of many different strangers, taking time out of their day… their jobs… their families… their lives... to sit in a chair and give part of themselves away, simply because it is a good thing to do for another human being. A stranger. Someone’s platelets made their way to Phil that day, and it helped him recover.”
Cassie Brabbs describing how it felt to see platelets help save her husband Phil
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There are so many reasons to give platelets. In this video, several Red Cross platelet donors share why they give in hopes of inspiring others. Will you join them?
Frequently Asked Questions
"She was a new person comparing our drive to the hospital on Friday and when we left the hospital Friday night! I just can’t put it in to words!”
Megan Stoy describing how platelets help her daughter Olivia who is fighting cancer
"The truly frustrating thing about cancer, is that it makes a person feel helpless... I made a decision to begin donating blood or platelets. I couldn't help Doug, but maybe I could help someone else."
Tess, who lost her husband to cancer, on how she could help others