Blood 4 MDS

When: Sunday, May 26,  2024
Where: John Edwards Hair Design
103 Church Street NE, Vienna, VA
The Bloodmobile will be in  the parking lot,
at the corner of Church St. and Center St.

Time: 10:30 am - 3:30pm 

What is MDS?

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are conditions that can occur when the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow become abnormal. This leads to low numbers of one or more types of blood cells. MDS is considered a type of cancer. 

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society web site. 

What this cause means to me

My grandfather was one of the most selfless people I knew. Before being diagnosed with MDS, he made it a priority in his life to help others. He was the chairman for a community church fundraiser for over 40 years, drove patients to a veterans hospital, and donated over a gallon of blood.  He proudly served our country in the US Army when he was young.  Growing up, you could find us out in the fields of his farm, riding the tractor and taking care of the cows.

Due to MDS, my grandfather received frequent blood transfusions. The blood transfusions replenished his red blood cells, which was needed to carry oxygen in his body. The blood supply in the U.S. is now at its lowest level in over decade.  There’s no substitute for blood, which makes blood donations vital. Roughly 10,000 people, just like my grandfather, are diagnosed with MDS each year. 

I’m asking for your help with Blood 4 MDS by donating on May 26th at John Edwards Hair Design in Vienna, VA. Your blood donation can save up to three lives.  You can register at this Inova blood drive page.

Thank you for considering to help.  I hope to see you there! 

- Elsie