The United Synagogue

US Partner With National Blood Service For New Year Blood Donor Campaign

PRESS RELEASE

London,
11th September 2008

US PARTNER WITH NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICE FOR NEW YEAR BLOOD DONOR CAMPAIGN

Sharon Gold from St Albans discovered she had breast cancer in 2004. Her treatment left her depleted of white cells needed in the body to fight infection and she had to be given a blood transfusion. She commented: "If people are thinking about giving blood I would say to them "just do it" as you never know what's round the corner. I was fortunate that blood was available when I needed it most and know how important it is for people to give blood if they can."

This Rosh Hashanah, the United Synagogue is joining up with the National Blood Service to encourage the Jewish community to give blood. With less than 5% of the UK population donating blood regularly, the campaign which is spearheaded by the US' Project Chesed, will impart the Jewish message that 'whoever saves a life, it is as if they have saved a whole world.'

To launch the campaign, the US aim to reach over 100,000 people by sending information to its US households, distributing posters and flyers in local restaurants and shops, and publicising the campaign in their synagogues over Rosh Hashanah.

The community will have opportunities to donate blood at Hendon United Synagogue on 9th November, at a Joely Bear Appeal blood donor session at Fairfield Junior School in Radlett supported by Borehamwood & Elstree United Synagogue on 23rd November, or by registering with the National Blood Service to find their nearest blood donor session.

Candice Woolfson, Project Chesed's Director at the United Synagogue commented: "We are asking people to make a different kind of pledge this year - a pledge to give of ourselves and where possible, to give blood. Giving blood is quite literally a life saving act. Every Rosh Hashanah we greet each other with the words 'Shana Tova - May you have a healthy and happy New Year' - this year our community can turn those words into actions.'

Rebecca Khan, spokeswoman for the NBS said, "We are delighted to be working with Project Chesed and hope this campaign encourages many new and existing blood donors to give blood. It's important for people to support their local blood donor sessions. The demand for blood is constant and to ensure we are able to supply hospitals with the blood they need to treat patients, it is important to keep blood stocks replenished.

"Regular donors can give blood every 16 weeks and we are also inviting new donors to local sessions to donate for the first time if they are eligible to do so."

Those who are unable to give blood themselves are being offered the opportunity to promote the blood drive in their own communities or become an ambassador for the NBS and organise and encourage others to donate.

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EDITORS' NOTES: -

Where can you donate?

Each year thousands of blood donor sessions are held so finding a convenient time and place to donate is easy. The community will have opportunities to make an appointment to donate blood at Hendon United Synagogue on 9th November; at Fairfield Junior School in Radlett as part of the Joely Bear Appeal on 23rd November; or by registering with the National Blood Service to find their nearest blood donor session. Certain shuls are organising to take groups of members to donate together and you can also visit www.blood.co.uk , type in your postcode and select from a range of local blood donor sessions. Alternatively, call the 24-hour National Donor Helpline on 0845 7 711 711, quoting 'Project Chesed' and an advisor can inform you of your nearest session and make an appointment for you.

CASE STUDIES

Brooke Cornwell
At just two years old, little Brooke Cornwell has already been through countless blood transfusions and many operations. When she was born, doctors discovered a cleft palate, a condition in which the two plates of the skull which would ordinarily join to make the hard plate (the roof of the mouth) do not join. Four days later her triphalangeal fingers - the existence of five fingers and no thumb - were noticed.

Tests carried out before surgery for the cleft palate indicated a haemoglobin level more than five times below the healthy range. Brooke was eventually diagnosed with Diamond Blackfan Anaemia, a very rare blood disorder characterised by an inability to produce red blood cells.

Upon diagnosis, Brooke was transfused immediately. She now requires blood every three to four weeks to ensure her survival as she did not respond to the alternative steroid therapy.

Brooke's grandmother Christine Castle said: "My family and I wish to thank blood donors for the amazing gifts of blood that they donate selflessly. Without this constant supply of blood, Brooke would not be with us today. Her life is dependent on the blood that she receives which makes blood donors so special to us."

Sharon Gold
The last thing on Sharon Gold's mind when she went for a routine breast screening was the word 'cancer'. Even when she was called back for further tests and then called again for a consultation it wasn't until she was actually told she had breast cancer that it began to sink in.

Sharon, who is now semi-retired from a career in film production, was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer in April 2004. As her cancer was advanced she had a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Her treatment left her weak and depleted of white cells needed in the body to fight infection. In October 2004, prior to radiotherapy, she contracted an infection. Her body wouldn't respond to treatment initially, she was sick and needed two units of blood to increase her red cell count to make her feel better.

Sharon says, "I felt much better very soon after my transfusion. If people are thinking about giving blood I would say to them "just do it" as you never know what's round the corner. I was fortunate that blood was available when I needed it most and know how important it is for people to give blood if they can."

Project Chesed
Project Chesed teaches about the Jewish responsibility we have for our fellow human beings, encourages more acts of charity and kindness and inspires our community to make a difference. Project Chesed is a joint initiative of the United Synagogue Community Division and the London School of Jewish Studies.

Project Chesed is generously sponsored by the Dr Benjamin Angel Foundation and a private donor.

The Joely Bear Appeal
The Joely Bear Appeal was originally set up to provide facilities to make stays in hospital more comfortable for young cancer patients and their families. The Appeal now also makes grants for research into the treatment and detection of cancer on children. It also promotes the importance of giving blood and of registering on the Bone Marrow panel.

For further information, please contact:

Nikki Ginsberg
The PR Office
Work: 020 7284 6943
Email: us@theproffice.com