I know it is hot. But please consider becoming a blood donor. Because of the melanoma I cannot donate blood for at least 12 months. Here is an email I received today from the American Red Cross. I had made an appointment but had to cancel it. No Fenway T-shirt for me. But you can get one!

The American Red Cross' supply of O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative blood is currently low as hospital usage has been outpacing donations. Blood donations have been down during the first five months of 2012. Only about half the amount of blood that was available at this same time last year is available today.

Each day an average of 44,000 pints of blood are needed in the U.S., which can only come from generous volunteer donors. Please make an appointment to donate blood in the coming days to ensure patient needs can be met.

If you are eligible, you are encouraged to double the impact of your donation by giving two pints of red cells through double red cell donation. Click here to learn more about double red cell donation and the eligibility requirements.

Come in to donate blood this June and you will receive:
- a free 100th Anniversary Fenway t-shirt.
- a coupon for a free 24 pack of Nice! Spring Water and a coupon for up to 20% off from Walgreens.¹
- a chance to win two Boston Red Sox tickets and to be honored at Fenway Park as the Blood Donor of the Game™.²

Schedule your appointment now by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting redcrossblood.org. Thank you!

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• Donate blood with Paula Deen and get a signed apron, $40 gift card (savannahnow.com)