Hickman County student wins $3,000 American Red Cross gift card - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

Hickman County student wins $3,000 American Red Cross gift card

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HICKMAN COUNTY, KY (KFVS) -

The American Red Cross is proud to announce Hickman County High School Senior, Christian Gardner is the winner of the American Red Cross Super Summer Save sweepstakes.

The Red Cross ran a Super Summer Save sweepstakes from July through September 2012.

During that time, all presenting blood and platelet donors were automatically entered to win a $3,000 American Express gift card.

17-year-old Christian Gardner was randomly selected from about 40 thousand blood and platelet donors after he donated double red cells during the September 28th blood drive at Hickman County High School.

Double red cell donation is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning your plasma and platelets to you.

Whole blood donations contain red blood cells, platelets, plasma and white blood cells.

Red blood cells are the most frequently used blood component and are needed by almost every type of patient requiring transfusion.  

If you meet certain criteria, double red cell donation allows you to safely donate two units of red cells during one appointment as an automated donation process. It is as safe as whole blood donation.

The process takes about 20-30 minutes longer than a whole blood donation, but it reduces your need to donate to approximately every four months.

When asked why Christian donates double red cells, he said "I think about the fact every time I donate blood I can help save up to three people."

He tells the Red Cross he feels humbled and blessed to receive this award and the funding will go to a great cause. "I'm going to use the money to help pay for college!" Christian wants to go into the medical field to pursue a career in helping others.

Christian's advises all eligible blood donors to roll up their sleeves. "It doesn't take long. It's not hard and you could save someone's life one day by donating blood," said Gardner.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood, please visit:  www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation

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