Three-time brain tumour survivor Stephanie Simmons is one of childhood cancer’s greatest adversaries.
Among her many efforts to advocate for children facing cancer, the 18-year-old from London, has created the Gold Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer and encourage people to donate blood in honour of cancer’s young victims.
During September – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – Canadian Blood Services and the Gold Ribbon Campaign are encouraging residents of Fergus to give blood this week in honour of children who have lost their lives to cancer and those who are survivors.
A clinic is being held on Sept. 17 from 2 to 8pm at the Centre Wellington Sportsplex.
Each year, 1,700 children are diagnosed with cancer. The goal of the campaign is to collect 1,700 units of blood – representing one unit for each of these young heroes. Typically, a child with cancer can use five units of blood every week.
To help a child with cancer by supporting the Gold Ribbon Campaign:
– Call 1 888 2 Donate (1-888-236-283) or go online at www.blood.ca to book an appointment to donate blood;
– Register your donation as part of the Gold Ribbon Campaign. Go to www.blood.ca/joinpartnersforlife, fill out the form with partner ID # GOLD013121 and click “Submit”; and
– “Like” the Gold Ribbon Campaign on Facebook, www.facebook.com/GoldRibbonCampaign.
