Three-Time Childhood Cancer Survivor Credits Blood Donors

Gift card and T-shirt among September thank-you offers for Vitalant donors

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness and Blood Cancer Awareness Month, nonprofit Vitalant encourages blood donors to give, highlighting the crucial role blood and platelets play in cancer treatments. More than a quarter of the U.S. blood supply goes to help patients during cancer treatment.

Jaziel Olmeda has battled acute lymphoblastic leukemia three times, starting at age 7, needing more than 130 units of blood and platelets to help beat the disease. Thanks to blood donors, he is now living his dream to be a nurse, working at the same children's hospital where he was once a patient.

"I noticed right away that I felt much better," Jaziel said. "Because of blood donations and my medical team, I'm still here and able to advocate for the importance of blood donation."

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Donors are needed every day to provide a steady supply of all blood types, especially type O, and platelets. Type O helps more patients than any other blood type. Platelets are most often used to help those battling cancer and must be used within a week of donation, making regular donations that much more vital.

Review eligibility requirements and make an appointment to give by visiting vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant blood donor app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Donors who opt in to Vitalant Donor Rewards can receive special thank-you gifts. Those who give between Sept. 1-10 using promo code LABORDAY-2026-V when scheduling will receive a $20 gift card. Donors September 1-30 can receive a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt in time for Halloween*.

* Terms and conditions apply. Visit vitalant.org/SeptDonorGift for more information.

About Vitalant

Vitalant (Vye-TAL-ent) is one of the nation's largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply, specialized laboratory services, transfusion medicine expertise and world-renowned research. Individuals generously donating blood, volunteering and giving financially are essential to our lifesaving mission. Learn more at vitalant.org. 

Media Contact: 480-675-5413

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SOURCE Vitalant