We Need Platelet Donors! [This part is a pitch for platelets, there is reguar info blog following.]

The biggest need at this stage is to address Mike’s need of blood platelets by transfusions of single donor platelets. Single donor platlets is when all the platelets give on a particular day are from one donor rather than a group of donors who’s platelets are aggregated to make one transfusion.

Donating platelets is a simple process that lasts about two hours. The donations must occur at the M.D. Anderson blood bank here in Houston. A volunteer we met via the Jewish Chaplain's office, by the name of Anita Osman, will answer any questions a potential donor might have and will coordinate the donation schedule. Ms. Osman has graciously provided us [more importantly you] with extensive information on the platelet donating process, information that is included below

A donation of platelets on your trip to Houston is very important. If you are going to be here and you are not sure that you qualify to donate, please call Anita at 281-488-3356 before your trip and she will answer any question you might have.

FROM ANITA OSMAN:

The chemo that Mike has recently undergone will depress his immunity and because of this he is in a special hospital room for a sort of "protected environment." He will most likely be having many transfusions of blood components, and will especially be in need of many platelet transfusions for quite some time.

Platelets are a component of our blood that makes the blood clot. Platelet donors are desperately needed by Mike. The platelet donations need to be coordinated with the timing of his transfusions. This is because they must be used for the patient within about 24 hours after the donation. Because of this, the donors may need to be called upon with fairly short notice.

Anita Osman is going to be coordinating the volunteer platelet donors for Mike and is very knowledgeable about this process. She does this work as a volunteer, out of her home, and has been coordinating platelet donors for patients at MDAnderson for over 12 years now.

Please contact Anita by phone and feel free to leave a message with your name, phone number(s), and blood type on her voice mail, or by email. She will be available to schedule your platelet donation appointment and coordinate it with Mike's needs.

If you contact Anita by email, please let her know:
Your First and Last Name
Your Blood Type (assuming that you know it)
Your phone numbers (home, work, & cell)
email addresses (work & home)
what prescription or over the counter medications you take
whether you have donated whole blood or platelets before & if so, when?
your availability (when you will be visiting the Rudmans in HoustonTX)

The platelet donation must be done for Mike in Houston, TX at the M. D. Anderson Blood Bank, which is located at 7707 Fannin (diagonally across from the Astrodome). Their dedicated appointment times for donating platelets are:
Monday - Friday at 8 am, 10 am, 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm and 5, 5:30 or 6 pm
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays at 8 am, 10 am, 12 noon, 2pm

The process takes about 2 hours and you can even bring a movie on a VCR tape or DVD to watch while you donate. Your body reproduces your platelets in about 48 hours and a person can donate platelets again in approximately 48-72 hours (but no more than 24 times per year.) The entire process is simple and safe.

Some basic eligibility requirements for Platelet Donation are:
- must be at least 17 years of age
- must be in good health
- must weigh a minimum of 110 lbs.
- must have a photo ID, Social Security number or Foreign Passport
- must have eaten in the last 4 hours before donation
- may not have had dental work 24 hours prior to donation
- may not have had ibuprophen, Motrin, Nuprin, Advil or Aleve for 48 hours prior to donation
- may not have had aspirin or aspirin containing products for 48 hours prior to donation
- may not have had Garlic, Ginseng, Ginko, or Ginger Herbal Supplements for 48 hours prior to donation (food flavorings are fine)
- may not have taken antibiotics for 72 hours prior to donation
- may not have had skin tattoos, body piercing, acupuncture, or some major surgeries (for a period of time prior to donation - check for latest updates on this)
- there are some restrictions with respect to Travel Outside the U.S. (check for latest updates on this as to length of stay and locations)

Acceptable Conditions:
- most medications (blood pressure, diabetes, antihistamines, asthma, etc.) are ok
- most vaccines: Influenza, Tetanus (some require a 2-4 week wait) are ok
- allergy shots are ok

Anita will most likely phone you back and answer your individual questions, like: where, when, how, and what is involved in platelet donation, etc.

Some extra info:
- Platelets are the blood elements that stop bleeding. They are vital to patients receiving cancer therapy.
- Platelets are donated through a process called plateletpheresis which is a special blood donation process that allows you to give just one part of your blood, the platelets, while safely giving you back the rest.
- During plateletpheresis, your blood goes into a sterile blood cell separator instead of going into a plastic bag, as in a regular blood donation. While the blood is in the separator, the platelets are carefully removed, and the rest of your blood (plasma, red and white cells) is returned to you.
- Since plateletpheresis returns the other blood components to you, minor side effects associated with whole blood donation are avoided. Some donors may feel a slight tingling sensation around the lips and nose, or a slight chill when they donate platelets.

I know this does not give you much time to plan ahead, but for those of you who are able to do so, Mike and Pam and the entire Rudman family appreciate your help with this desperate need.

Thank you, in advance, for your assistance with this life-saving endeavor!

Anita Osman, DirectorVolunteer Platelet Donor Network15714 Pinewood Cove DriveHouston, Texas 77062-4714Phone: 281-488-3356Cell Ph: 832-723-6175 (if needed)Email: PlateletsAnitaOs@aol.com