Sorority hosts platelet drive

In only two days, 72 people were given the opportunity to continue fighting cancer.

Cancer affects nearly all of us. SMU students aware of the issue made their presence at the Gamma Phi Beta sorority platelet donation drive on Wednesday and Thursday. The drive was intended to promote cancer awareness and action within the SMU community.

Platelets are blood cells that prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Platelet donations have a three-day shelf life and patients with leukemia and other blood disorders rely on volunteer donations for treatment. For each successful donation, three cancer patients can undergo treatment.

Adine Bagheri, a corporate communications graduate, confronted the harsh reality of cancer on November 05, 2002 when her father was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia.

“I had to grow up really fast,” Bagheri said. “I went from receiving the care taking to now giving. It’s different to be on the other side.”

The platelet drive was held in honor of Adine’s father, Ali Bagheri.

“I want to truly thank SMU from the bottom of my heart for donating,” said Mr. Bagheri, who is currently undergoing treatment. He doesn’t intend on giving up and confronts each day with confidence.

“People should not wait for a family member to have cancer. We need to act now to prevent that from happening,” his daughter said.

The success of the event was in question because of the long donation procedure.

Platelet donation is a two and a half-hour process that requires donors to make appointments. Carter BloodCare, which is in charge of conducting the donations, is only capable of accepting 12 donors per day.

“The procedure time was a main concern,” Ms. Bagheri said.

Within a week of promotions, the first day was already fully scheduled.

“It’s a big commitment and I was excited to know they cared about the cause,” she said. A second day was arranged with Carter BloodCare and it was also fully booked.

Light Sayles, a marketing graduate student and first time donor, felt slightly uncomfortable during the procedure but felt it was worth it.

“I wanted to help now because some people don’t have a later.”

Elyse Turkus, senior electronic media and film major, felt “no bother at all” and said “it’s like watching television at home.”

“This drive was completely fulfilling and a good idea to help out,” said Maya Mahoney, the Gamma Phi Beta philanthropy chair.

The event was so successful, the sorority is considering instituting the drive as an annual event.