Give the Gift of Life During Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month

National Headquarters
2025 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
www.redcross.org

Contact: Lesly Simmons
Phone: (202) 303-4467
Cell: (301) 642-7365
SimmonsL@usa.redcross.org


WASHINGTON, Thursday, September 13, 2007 — Sickle Cell Anemia affects more than 70,000 people in the United States, and most of them are African-American. September is Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month, a perfect time to make an appointment to give blood in support of the thousands of people across the country suffering from this disease. One in every 12 African Americans carries the trait for sickle cell disease.

One of the most common treatments for Sickle Cell Anemia, which causes red blood cells to form an abnormal crescent shape, is regular blood transfusions to help reduce the risks of stroke, damage to major organs that can lead to severe infections, and other complications that can arise from the disease. Many patients need blood transfusions every few weeks to help keep the effects of the disease at bay, and transfusions from blood donors of the same ethnic background are even more beneficial because they have less chance of causing complications for the recipient.

“Giving blood is an easy way to help someone in need and feel good about doing it,” said Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet Member Patti LaBelle. “With so many people in our community suffering from sickle cell anemia, it’s also the right thing to do to help our neighbors and friends in need.”

Additionally, African Americans are more likely to have blood type O and B than other populations. These types are particularly in need, so scheduling a donation can also help alleviate blood shortages around the country.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE, or visit http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

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Innovative Fund Raising Website Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis is Launched

Clicks! for the Cause, Inc. has officially announced the launch of their flagship venture, Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis. The website, and associated tools, are now available to the Cystic Fibrosis community, friends, and family at http://www.clicksforcf.com

-- Innovating the way people give and support their favorite charity, Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis has been made publicly available.

Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis has created an easy way for individuals to ensure their favorite charity receives a portion of the profit from their online purchases. When an internet user wishes to make a purchase with any of over 400 leading online retailers (such as Barnes and Noble, WalMart, Dell, Linens N Things, Staples, and more), all they need to do is locate them within the Click! for Cystic Fibrosis retailer directory and use the link provided for that vendor.

"As someone involved in the technology industry, and the parent of a child with Cystic Fibrosis, I was looking for an innovative way to fundraise for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation," states Clicks for the Cause, Inc. Vice-President, James Stewart. "The goal was to give people an opportunity to shop online with their favorite online retailers, as they normally would, and support life-saving research at the same time."

Every retailer within the Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis directory is listed with a percentage or dollar value clearly stated next to their name. This value represents the amount of their purchase that goes directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. By reviewing this information, shoppers can feel good in knowing the exact amount of their purchase that will go to life-extending Cystic Fibrosis research.

In addition to the Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis website, several supporting tools have also been made publicly available. The Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis toolbar integrates directly into Internet Explorer, saving users the time of having to access the website. Additionally, a custom Windows Vista Gadget and Firefox custom Search Engine have also been made available for use. "Our strategy is to make the Clicks! shopping experience as simple and effortless as possible," adds Mr. Stewart.

About Clicks! For Cystic Fibrosis
Established in 2007, Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis, and parent company Clicks! for the Cause, Inc. were created with one goal in mind – to maximize donations for key charitable organizations and help save lives.

More information about Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis can be found on the web at http://www.clicksforcf.com.

Contact Info:
James Stewart
Vice President
Clicks! For The Cause, Inc.
Phone: 877-925-4257
Email: jstewart@clicksforthecause.com
Web: www.clicksforthecause.com

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