Blood drive to honor area cancer patient

Independent Staff

GALLUP — RMCHCS and United Blood Services will host a blood drive on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, March 21-23 in honor of Willie Knight. Knight was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and has been undergoing treatment in Albuquerque since Jan. 12.

Knight's family would like to have as many donors as possible attend this very special event in his honor. Knight has received numerous blood and platelet donations since his diagnosis. The family desires to replenish the New Mexico blood bank in order to save many more lives. Platelet donations are specifically requested.

According to Evelyn Bryant of United Blood Services, "The winter weather has caused a critical shortage for our communities. Without additional donors, there is a risk of not being able to provide blood for those needing surgery, for accident victims, or those undergoing cancer treatment."

United Blood will be in Gallup at the following times and locations:

• Wednesday, March 21: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gal-A-Bowl, 1900 E. Aztec, with the United Blood Services Mobile Unit.
  
  
• Thursday, March 22: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at RMCH's third floor Solarium.
  
  
• Friday, March 23: 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at RMCH's third floor Solarium.

Blood donors should bring identification with them. To schedule an appointment, contact Mary Ann Livingston at (505) 863-3098 or visit www.unitedbloodservices.org and enter the Sponsor Code: Gallup.