Barb passed away from acute myelomonocytic leukemia last year

For the Tomahawk Leader

TOMAHAWK – The community is invited to give blood in memory of Barb Seavey at a special American Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, May 13 from noon to 5:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 320 E. Washington Ave, Tomahawk.

“Barb was diagnosed with acute myelomonocytic leukemia, a type of blood cancer affecting the growth of bone marrow cells,” Red Cross stated. “Barb received chemotherapy and her life was extended because of the lifesaving measures she received in the form of blood products and platelets. These almost daily transfusions gave her more time with her family.”

Barb Seavey passed away in Jan. 2020, six months after being diagnosed with acute myelomonocytic leukemia, a type of blood cancer affecting the growth of bone marrow cells. A blood drive in her memory will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Tomahawk on May 13.

Barb’s condition was aggressive, and she passed away in Jan. 2020, only six months after diagnosis.

“This memorial blood drive will be part of the healing process that our family is still experiencing,” said Paula Randall, Seavey’s daughter. “We hope that the blood collected during this drive will help so many who may be facing the same challenges as our mother did.”

Red Cross said donated blood may be used to help accident victims, surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.

“There is no substitute for donated blood products,” the organization noted.

The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood donations each day to meet the needs of hospital patients across the country. Blood donors of all types are needed.

Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at the blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.

“Blood and platelet donors of all types are needed this month to help ensure blood products are available for patients now and into summer,” Red Cross stated. “In thanks for making it a summer full of life, those who come to give May 1-15 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card by email. Those who make it in to donate in May will also automatically be entered for a chance to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps five, powered by Suburban Propane.”

For more information, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org/SummerFullOfLife.