The Association of Cancer Warriors has been supporting cancer patients throughout their difficult treatment process and conducting many projects and campaigns to help them maintain their quality of life since 2015. In this context, the Association of Cancer Warriors launched the campaign "Will You Be My Hero from the Vein?" to raise awareness about blood donation in society. Many celebrities, such as the famous actress Hatice Şendil, appeared on camera to support the campaign. Those who need continuous blood transfusions also gave messages on camera. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çetiner, a specialist in Internal Medicine and Hematology; Prof. Dr. Mahmut Gümüş, a specialist in Medical Oncology; Prof. Dr. Barış Malbora, a specialist in Pediatric Hematology; Belma Kurdoğlu Akgün, President of the Association of Cancer Warriors; Dr. Levent Sağdur, Medical Director of Turkish Red Crescent Blood Services; and Dr. Metin Kalender, Director of Blood Donor Management at the Turkish Red Crescent Blood Services, all called on the public to donate blood.
"Blood Donation Rates Decreased During the Pandemic"
Speaking about blood donation, Belma Kurdoğlu Akgün said, "Today, we are launching a new campaign to highlight the blood needs of cancer patients, called 'Will You Be My Hero from the Vein?' We are here to promote it to the press. Blood donation is very important in a general sense. The need for blood in cancer patients is generally believed to be for acute situations like traffic accidents and surgeries. However, we know from statistics in America that 25% of the blood supply is used only by cancer patients. Therefore, blood is a real need for cancer patients. We are here to emphasize this and invite our community to donate blood. The Turkish people generally have a positive view of blood donation. However, as you know, during the recent pandemic, this was a problem not only in our country but all over the world. This is because blood donation rates have significantly decreased. In our country, a decrease in blood donations is usually seen only during the summer and the month of Ramadan. But over the last three years, the pandemic, in particular, has had a significant impact on this situation."
"Donate Blood, Save a Life; Be a Hero from the Vein"
Speaking about the conditions required for blood donation, President Akgün said, "Basically, anyone who is healthy and over 50 kilograms can donate blood, with women donating every four months and men every three months. We are genuinely inviting all our people to donate blood. It should not be forgotten that by giving blood, you are giving life. Therefore, we say: Donate blood, save a life; be a hero from the vein.