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Firefighters To Hold Blood Drive Saturday
02/24/10
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
St. Tammany Fire District 12's motto, "We're here for life," will take on new meaning this Saturday as firefighters hold a blood drive for a local man in desperate need.
Marshal Packer was a lifelong blood donor himself until being diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia a few years ago. CLL is a form of cancer that affects the bone marrow, where blood is produced. Marshal has a rare and aggressive form of CLL, and has now developed an autoimmune disorder that has further delayed his cancer treatment. In the meantime, he needs a consistent, safe blood supply to stay alive.
Marshal's wife Susan and sons Andrew, Nick and Brad, have appealed to their local heroes at FD12 for help, and FD12 is answering the call.
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Bloodmobile will be stationed in the parking lot of the Super Wal Mart on Hwy. 190 near Covington. To donate blood, one must be at least 17 years old, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds. With parental consent, 16-year-olds who weigh at least 130 pounds can also donate. All blood types are needed.
To sign up in advance, donors are asked to contact FD12 Administrator Ray Newton at 892.5161. Walk-up donors are also encouraged on Saturday.
"We protect lives and property every day in short-term, dangerous situations," said FD12 Chief Darrell Guilott. "To have the opportunity to preserve life in another way is a tremendous blessing for us. Our firefighters will be present in force at the Bloodmobile, and we know we can count on generous citizens of the Covington area to contribute, as well."
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