5 Things You Should Know About World Blood Cancer Day

1. It’s a Held Every Year on May 28

World Blood Cancer Day (WBCD) is a global awareness day dedicated to the fight against blood cancer. On May 28, individuals, friends, families, communities, companies, organizations share their support using the red ampersand, the official sign for WBCD.

2. Blood Cancer Is an Umbrella Term for Cancerous Growth in the Blood, Bone Marrow or Lymph Nodes That Affect Normal Blood Cell Production or Function.

As diseased blood cells proliferate, they cause life-threatening damage to the immune and circulatory systems. These blood cells, which can no longer carry out normal cell functions and no longer die a natural death, are known as cancer cells. They enter the bloodstream and multiply uncontrollably, crowding out the healthy cells. This means the blood can no longer perform its tasks, such as oxygen transportation and defense against germs.

Depending on the level of maturity of the blood cells in which these malignant changes take place, doctors distinguish between three main groups of blood cancer: leukemia, multiple myeloma and malignant lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes).

3. It’s a Big Deal

All over the world, WBCD has major support. For the last few years, the Empire State Building was lit red in honor of the awareness day.

4. Blood Cancer Can Strike Anyone.

Every 35 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with a blood cancer like lymphoma or leukemia. Blood cancer doesn’t discriminate, for patients like True Haden (pictured above), a stem cell transplant from a donor is their best chance for survival. Nisa was diagnosed at 3-months-old and she is undergoing chemotherapy treatments to fight an aggressive blood cancer

This search is at a critical point and Nisa and her family need help now.

5. There Are Several Ways You Can Participate in Wbcd

A. You Can Host a Donor Drive

The more donors on the international donor pool, the better the odds for a blood cancer patient in need. Matching is based on HLA markers and blood cancer patients of color or mixed-race have a harder time finding a blood stem cell donor.

B. You Can Share the Official Sign of World Blood Cancer Day (#wbcd)

The official symbol for World Blood Cancer Day is the red ampersand sign — which shows solidarity with those affected by blood cancer.

Using the Facebook frame, you can change your profile photo.

C. Sign up As a Potential Donor

Everyone counts in the fight against blood cancer. Once you are between the ages of 18–55 and in general good health, you can register as a potential lifesaver. Make your mark and help us give everyone in need of a blood stem cell donation a second chance at life.

Here’s how you can sign up as a potential donor

However, you choose to make your mark just remember, together we can fight blood cancer!