National Donate Day and National Donor Day, observed on February 14th, unite us in a common cause—spreading awareness about organ, eye, tissue, and cancer research donations. Started in 1998 by the Saturn Corporation and the United Auto Workers, National Donor Day has evolved into a powerful movement supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

Why It Matters 

Donations and dedicated support impact the lives of cancer patients and their families every day. While doing research for this blog, it was found that “More than 15 million Americans are living with cancer, and 67 percent of them survive at least five years after diagnosis, according to National Cancer Institute estimates. And the American Cancer Society reports that, as the mortality rate from cancer has declined steadily for the past 26 years, close to 3 million cancer deaths have been avoided since 1991.” (“Why giving to cancer research matters,” City of Hope, 2020, April 12). By participating in local events and sharing the Donate Life message, we honor the legacy of generosity and compassion left by donors.  

Who is Affected? 

Cancer patients and their families count on lifesaving treatments made possible by dedicated donors. National Donor Day serves as a day to honor those who have given and received the gift of life through various kinds of donations that play a crucial role in supporting those affected by cancer, ranging from the selfless act of becoming an organ donor to the significant impact of financial contributions. 

How to Help Out or Donate 

While National Donor Day focuses on various types of donations, we encourage you to extend your generosity to cancer research. Your support plays a vital role in conquering cancer, and fueling groundbreaking immunotherapy research. Learn about local events, share social media messages, and encourage others to register as donors, contributing not only to organ and tissue donation but also to advancing cancer research. 

Cancer Research Matters 

In our collective quest to conquer cancer, immunotherapy research emerges as a beacon of hope. Your donations such as financial support, time dedication, and advocacy to raise awareness drive life-saving breakthroughs, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments while minimizing invasiveness. Cancer immunotherapy taps into the remarkable precision, adaptability, and memory of the immune system, targeting cancer cells and sparing healthy ones. Supporting cancer research is a tangible way to bring us closer to a future free from the burden of this disease. 

Ways To Give 

We all can envision a world without cancer, which is why cancer research matters. Whether you’re an individual, a company, or someone honoring a loved one’s memory, your support plays a vital role. Each donation supports getting a step closer to a future where hope prevails and cancer is conquered, whether it’s an organ, tissue or funds for cancer research. 

Beyond organ, tissue, and financial donations, there are other ways you can help make a difference. Based on information found by Sonja Hibbs in her article ‘What Can I Donate to Help People With Cancer?‘ (2019):

1. Donate your hair – Certain cancer treatments can cause hair loss. Donate your hair to organizations that turn it into wigs for people experiencing this emotionally challenging side effect. 
2. Donate your air miles – If you have extra air miles, consider donating them to help people with cancer and their families travel to non-local treatment centers.
3. Donate Goods – Clothes, books, blankets, and furniture you no longer need can help out the patients who may need it or cancer organizations that run thrift shops.
4. Donate blood or platelets – Extra blood is critical to many people with cancer during and after treatment. Whole-blood and platelet donations are essential for supporting patients’ needs.
5. Donate time  – Cancer organizations offer all kinds of volunteer opportunities that may interest you. Here to Serve is a perfect example of organizations that run on the time dedicated by volunteers writing blogs, creating campaigns, and supporting one another in the mission to change lives. 

Here to Serve 

At Here to Serve, our unwavering mission is to support families with children battling cancer throughout every step of their challenging journey. As the only national organization providing comprehensive support and services to families with children navigating cancer, we intimately understand the value of a strong support system. Our dedicated family care coordinators provide invaluable resources directly to families and caregivers, including access to physical, financial, and emotional options, so that you have the tools and support to face this unexpected challenge. If you or someone you know is dealing with a recent cancer diagnosis, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for comprehensive, tailored care and support. We are committed to building a future where all families with children going through cancer have access to the support and resources they need to focus on what matters most during this journey – caring for their loved ones.  

Author: Gianna Potella 

Gianna Potella is a passionate public relations professional with a genuine commitment to making a difference in the world. Her journey has been shaped by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by children whose parents and guardians have battled cancer, as well as her personal experiences supporting loved ones in their fight against the disease. With a heart dedicated to helping others, Gianna is driven to make a meaningful difference.  

Information on the Here to Serve website is for educational and informational purposes only. Please consult a medical professional for specific medical guidance.