‘Faith Gives Back’ Annual Blood Drive to Benefit Ty Thacker

All Mena-area residents are encouraged to donate blood at the blood drive benefitting Ty Thacker, who has just been diagnosed this week with B strain of Acute Lymphoid Leukemia and is currently at Arkansas Children’s Hospital undergoing treatment. Ty is the precious son of Ron and Tonya Thacker of Mena.

For each donor, Ty’s family will receive credit for fees associated with his blood transfusions. All blood donors will receive free health screenings and Donor Rewards Points, redeemable at ABI’s online store.

The drive will be held Thursday, July 17, at Grace Bible Church, 1911 Highway 71 N, Mena, from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

The blood drive was originally slated to be credited to Faith Chaney who is battling aplastic anemia, a blood disorder. However, as part of ‘Faith Gives Back – Annual Blood Drive’ the event has been dedicated to Ty.

Since there is no substitute for human blood, supplies must constantly be renewed. Arkansas Blood Institute encourages anyone who is 16 and older* to donate and save a life this spring.

Although all blood types are needed, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. According to AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks), those with O-negative blood type make up only nine percent of the national population; however, O-negative blood can be used by anyone in urgent need.

Appointments are not necessary but if needed, you may contact Kathy Perez throught the “Faith Gives Back” Annual Blood Drive page on Facebook.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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