More blood transfusions are required in January than during any other month of the year. That’s why The Thunderbirds, the hosts of the WM Phoenix Open, have stepped up to make sure that 2024 starts out on par for patients across Arizona.
Between January 1st through the 14th, Vitalant donors will receive a voucher for a free ticket to the Waste Management Phoenix Open in appreciation for replenishing Arizona’s blood supply following the holiday season.
Known as the PGA TOUR Tournament of the Year and billed as “The People’s Open,” the greatest show on grass will be held Feb. 5 – 11 at the TPC Scottsdale.
January donors will help people like Branden, who thanks to 72 blood donors, won his battle against cancer twice. When Branden injured his knee during high school hockey practice several years ago, his orthopedic surgeon thought he had torn a ligament. But an MRI showed a “hot spot” and additional tests revealed cancer. After three months of chemotherapy and more than 30 blood transfusions, Branden graduated on-time, but within a few months the cancer spread to his lungs. It took five surgeries to remove more than 50 nodules, which was followed by a stem cell transplant and daily blood transfusions for a month. Thanks to blood donors, today Branden is cancer free and his greatest love is being a father.
The partnership between Vitalant and the Thunderbirds began more than 15 years ago and has grown to become one of the most popular “thank you” gifts received by donors throughout the year. “We hope to encourage more blood donations while people are still focused on the spirit of giving,” said Sid Lewis, Vice President of Vitalant’s Southwest Division. “The gift of life is the most important gift of all and doesn’t cost anything, except a little of your time.”
PUBLIC BLOOD DRIVES BY CITY:
Cave Creek
Thu, Jan 11, 11am-3pm, The Roadhouse, 6900 E Cave Creek Rd, Bloodmobile
Sun, Jan 28, 8am-12pm, St. Gabriel the Archangel, 32648 N Cave Creek Rd, Bloodmobile
Fountain Hills
Jan 26, 9am-2pm, Fountain Hills & Noon Kiwanis Community, 13001 N La Montana, Community Center Pima & Hopi Rms
Jan 27, 9am-2pm, Fountain Hills & Noon Kiwanis Community, 13001 N La Montana, Community Center Pima & Hopi Rms
Scottsdale
Tue, Jan 9, 8am-12pm, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, 14850 N Scottsdale Rd, Bloodmobile
Tue, Jan 9, 8am-1pm, Mayo Clinic @ Scottsdale Campus, 13400 E Shea Blvd, MCB CP34 A&B/MCB CP34 A&B
Tue, Jan 9, 9am-1pm, Paradise Valley Corporate Center, 4835 E Cactus Rd, Bloodmobile
Thu, Jan 11, 8am-1pm, Discount Tire, 20225 N Scottsdale Rd, Bloodmobile
Sat, Jan 13, 8am-1pm, Winfield Community, 33501 N Winfield Dr, Club House
Sun, Jan 14, 8am-12:30pm, St. Patrick Catholic Church, 10815 N 84th St, Fenlon Hospitality Ctr
Mon, Jan 29, 11:30am-3:30pm, HonorHealth Rehabilitation Hospital, 8850 East Pima Center Pkwy, Bloodmobile
To make a blood donation appointment, visit vitalant.org, download the Vitalant app, or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).