Red Cross planning local blood drive in VanHousen’s honor

The late Jana VanHousen expressed gratitude for the many blood transfusions that sustained her in a long battle against cancer, thus the American Red Cross is planning a blood drive in her honor July 17-18.
Well known as an accomplished artist, VanHousen “brightened the days of those around her before passing away in April,” as shared in a Red Cross blood drive poster being circulation this month. “Now, her family is asking community members to donate blood in Jana’s honor to help others who are going through their own battles.”
Normally hosted by the United Methodist Church in Aurora, this month’s blood drive will be conducted at the Bremer Center, with appointments available from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day.
“Char DeWitt (a Red Cross staff member) and Jana were good friends and when Jana passed away Char was just heartbroken,” noted Stephanie Mousel, an account manager with the American Red Cross. “She just wanted to do something to honor Jana and the battle that she fought with cancer so we decided to do this. We’re doing this in Ainsworth (where VanHousen grew up and spent her final year of life) and in Aurora for the drive on the 17th and 18th.”
This isn’t the first time the Red Cross has recognized someone with a blood drive in their honor, Mousel explained.
“Sometimes people want to honor or memorialize someone who is close to them,” she said. “We have an option to do a drive in honor of them while they’re still alive, or as a memorial drive if they have passed. We’re open to doing that by request at any time because sometimes people just really feel the need to do something to respond when they’ve had some kind of personal tragedy. We’re hoping people will come and donate to honor her and maybe they’d like to continue donating in her memory in the future as well.”
“Family and friends of Jana organized this drive to not only celebrate her life, but to raise awareness of how Jana relied on Red Cross blood throughout her cancer battle,” DeWitt added. “She wanted to remain positive and engaged each day, and because of generous donors, she had access to blood which allowed her quality time with her family and friends.”
To make an appointment to donate blood, please contact Julie at 402-631-3442.