CBCares - Reese Edwards

Reese Edwards, anchor/reporter for Capitol Sports Network and Capitol AgriBusiness, does his part to help patients with cancer, leukemia and blood disorders at Rex Hospital. Reese regularly donates blood platelets at Rex Blood Plan.

Reese began donating blood regularly in 1975 when his wife was diagnosed with an ulcer. He switched to apheresis donation in 1993, when he learned the importance of platelet donation.

Apheresis is a special kind of blood donation that collects platelets from the blood. Platelets, the essential components needed for blood to clot, are easily destoyed when patients undergo chemotherapy.

To be an apheresis donor, individuals must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Donations take from one to two hours. For more information on apheresis or if you would like to become a donor, call Rex Blood Plan at 785-4750.