00:00 September is National Blood Cancer Awareness Month.
00:02 The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is saying that about every three minutes,
00:05 someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with a type of blood cancer.
00:10 At the same time, this year, more than 184,000 people in the U.S.
00:13 are expected to be diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma.
00:17 But there are ways you can help those living with the disease get treatment,
00:20 namely by donating blood.
00:23 Here's 23ABC's Ruby Rivera, who shows us how a local blood bank is offering incentives
00:27 to those who roll up their sleeves to make a donation.
00:31 According to Houchin Community Blood Bank, every two seconds,
00:33 someone in the U.S. is in need of blood or platelets.
00:36 Donations are used for blood transfusions, surgeries, and even cancer patients.
00:40 And for local Nettie Farrar, cancer hits close to home.
00:43 And it's that reason that brings her back donating every week.
00:47 My mom passed of cancer, and my dad and my sister are survivors.
00:52 So I just feel like every week I need to give for those cancer patients.
00:57 Nettie Farrar says she's always been an avid blood donor,
01:00 but she says her recent retirement has allowed her to reach her goal of donating more frequently.
01:04 Farrar says she's heartbroken to know that there's an increasing need for volunteers,
01:08 which is why when she's not donating, she's always trying to educate others on its importance.
01:12 I had a roommate, and for Lent, she gave blood because she was afraid of needles,
01:18 and she was afraid to give blood.
01:19 So I know there's people out there, my husband will not do it.
01:22 He doesn't like to do it either. It's very comfortable. It doesn't hurt.
01:26 Farrar says she's happy to know Howchin is offering incentives,
01:29 as she knows not many people are comfortable donating or may not make the time to do so.
01:33 Donating blood can sometimes be a difficult process for some people,
01:36 whether it's the needle or if it's time.
01:39 And so these incentives help give them that extra push to donate.
01:43 And then once they're here, we've had lots of donors tell us, you know, I'm glad that I came.
01:48 Creative Development Coordinator for Howchin Community Blood Bank, Shane Hubbard,
01:51 says while the incentives are meant to bring in new donors,
01:54 he's seen many turn into regulars after finding the experience to be relaxing rather than nerve-wracking.
01:59 This is the case for regular Armando Garcia,
02:01 who initially started donating in high school as a way to get out of class.
02:04 He says he soon realized that not only was this for an important cause, but he had fun doing so.
02:09 I like being able to do what I can, so if I'm able to sit down for an hour and a half,
02:14 two hours, and it's going to help somebody, then I'm definitely willing to do it.
02:17 Farrar says she understands that many people may not want to donate out of fear,
02:21 but as someone who's been donating for years, she wants people to know that the pain only lasts a second
02:25 and the impact you create could mean a lifetime for someone else.
02:28 Try it. You don't know. It sounds frightening, I guess, if you're afraid of needles.
02:36 But you don't know until you try it that it can be comfortable.
02:40 Farrar says if she was able to, she would be sitting in this chair donating every day,
02:44 but is thankful that she gets to donate as frequently as she does and invites more people to join her.
02:49 Houston Community Blood Bank is always accepting walk-ins.
02:52 For more information on how to donate blood, visit our website, Turn23.com.
02:56 In Bakersfield, Rubir Vera, 23ABC News, connecting you.
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