APLASTIC ANEMIA & MDS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC.
P.O. BOX 613 ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 21404-0613 U.S.A.
TEL: 410.867.0242
800.747.2820
FAX: 410.867.0240
help@aamds.org
www.aamds.org
Providing Global Support, Education & Research
For Immediate Release
APLASTIC ANEMIA&MDS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC
ENCOURAGES INDIVIDUALS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL
“MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY” BY DONATING BLOOD, PLATELETS AND BONE MARROW
(Annapolis, MD – October 13, 2003) “Citizens across the country can truly save a life this year by donating
blood, platelets, and joining the National Bone Marrow Donor program,” says Marilyn Baker, Executive Director of
Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation. “Bone marrow diseases such as aplastic anemia (AA),
myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) affect thousands of Americans each
year regardless of age, race, or gender. Patients fighting these rare and life-threatening diseases need blood and platelet
transfusions in order to survive. Please help save a life by donating blood, platelets, and becoming a bone marrow donor
this October 23, 2003, National Make A Difference Day.”
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approximately 32,000 units of blood are used
each day in the United States. “I’ve been living with MDS for 13 years now, and I would not be here today were it not for
the generosity of those who take the time to donate blood and platelets,” says Bob Carroll, President of AA&MDSIF. “I
have had more than 550 transfusions since I was diagnosed with MDS. I am transfusion dependent, and these transfusions
allow me to stay healthy and active and enable me to continue my career and community work.” It is estimated that more
than 40,000 Americans each year are diagnosed with aplastic anemia, MDS and PNH and require blood and platelet
transfusions on a regular basis.
Donating blood takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour, including completing the paperwork. If you are 18
years old, in good health, and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds you can donate blood. In order to donate blood you must
undergo a quick physical, complete a medical and travel history and the actual donation of blood. A snack will be
provided to you. To donate blood contact: America’s Blood Centers at 1-888-BLOOD88 or www.americasblood.org; or
The American Red Cross by calling a local chapter listed in your phone directory or visiting www.redcross.org. To
become a marrow donor contact: The National Marrow Donor Program at 1-800-526-7809 or www.nmdp.org. To learn
more about the Aplastic Anemia &MDS International Foundation, Inc. call 1-800-747-2820 or visit www.aamds.org. To
contact your local “Make A Difference Day” coordinator, call (202) 729-8000 or visit www.pointsoflight.org.
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For more information, contact: Alicia Moran at moran@aamds.org or 1-800-747-2820.
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