Elaine Furu-Baker’s life may have been cut short by cancer, but her
spirit of giving to the community will be memorialized July 18 through
an American Red Cross Blood Drive held in conjunction with the Calhoun
County East Relay for Life.
Sponsored by Fredonia Grange #1713, the blood drive will occur from
noon-5:45 p.m. at the B.E. Henry Community Building in Marshall, at
the
front of the Calhoun County Fairgrounds, where Relay for Life
activities
are held July 18-19.
“Holding the blood drive here and in Elaine’s honor is especially
fitting due to her lifelong interest and involvement in the 4-H
program,” said Blood Drive Coordinator Kristy Smith of Fredonia
Grange.
“This represents one more way people can contribute to Relay for
Life.”
According to her husband, Greg Flynn, Furu-Baker lost her six-year
battle with cancer on May 7, 2008. “Elaine had been a blood donor
and had
a couple of transfusions toward the end,” said Flynn. “I’m sure
she would be happy we were doing a blood drive in her honor. She was
always helping others.”
Furu-Baker’s legacy continues in the opportunities the community is
presented with to support worthy causes. Make the time to stop in and
give blood in support of those who may need it. Like friend and
neighbor,
Elaine Furu-Baker, that could be you.
Potential blood donors must be healthy, be at least 17 years old, weigh
at least 110 pounds, and not have donated whole blood in the last
eight weeks (56 days) or double red cells in the last 16 weeks (112
days).
“Healthy” means feeling well and able to perform normal
activities.
For people with chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood
pressure, “healthy” also means they are being treated and the
condition
is under control.
Other aspects of each potential donor’s health history are discussed as
part of the donation process before any blood is collected. Each donor
receives a brief examination during which temperature, pulse, blood
pressure and blood count (hemoglobin or hematocrit) are measured.
The Red Cross will have a “double red” machine at the July 18 blood
drive. It’s an automated donation method that allows the donor to
provide more help to those in need of blood through giving two units
of
red cells rather than one. Donors with type O and B are especially
needed.
Walk-ins are always welcome, but appointments encouraged. To schedule
an appointment, call (269)962-7528.
Posted by kc8emh 
Posted by kc8emh 
