LANSING — During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support kids, teens and young adults battling cancer, as well as others in need of transfusions.

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 15,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year. Childhood cancer patients may need blood products on a regular basis during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications.

Wren Jansen was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer, at age 3. In the two years since her diagnosis, Wren has received 16 blood and platelet transfusions, which she calls “unicorn juice,” thanks to a crafty nurse who used the term to calm her fears during treatment. These “magic” gifts from generous donors have helped restore Wren’s strength and spirit so she can be a normal 5-year-old and fight back against cancer.

In December, Wren and her family hope to mark a special milestone – the end of treatment and the battle with cancer won.

Blood and platelet donors of all blood types, especially type O negative and O positive, are urgently needed to replenish the blood supply following a critical summer blood shortage, according to Red Cross officials. As a thank-you, those who come to give blood or platelets Aug. 31 to Sept. 4 will receive a Red Cross aluminum water bottle, while supplies last. People can make an appointment to donate by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Donors can do good and look good this September when they donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross and get a free haircut coupon from Sport Clips Haircuts – a proud partner of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which supports research to find cures for childhood cancers, according to Red Cross officials.

“The Red Cross and Sport Clips share a commitment to helping kids kick cancer, and we are thrilled to partner in September for the Saving Lives Never Looked So Good campaign to help bring attention to this important topic,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “We are grateful to Sport Clips for their continued support of the Red Cross and for thanking the generous blood and platelet donors who help make lifesaving treatments possible for many childhood cancer patients.”

Those who come out to give blood or platelets Sept. 1-30 will receive a coupon for a free haircut via email several days after their donation. The coupon is valid through Nov. 11, at participating Sport Clips locations. Donors must have a valid email address on record to receive the coupon.

“With Sport Clips, the Red Cross and St. Baldrick’s joining forces during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we hope to spread the word about the importance of blood donations, especially for children fighting cancer,” said Amanda Palm, communications manager for Sport Clips. “Offering a free haircut is our way of saying thank you to blood donors everywhere.”

The Red Cross and Sport Clips encourage donors to use the hashtag #SavingLivesLooksGood to share their new looks and invite others to give, according to officials.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 1 to 15:

Berrien County:

Sept 10: Noon to 5:45 p.m., Masonic Lodge 68, 122 N. Oak St., Buchanan Sept 12: 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Caretel Inns of Lakeland, 3905 Lorraine Path, St. Joseph

Sept 13: 3 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., Arclight Brewing Company, 544 N Main St. Watervliet

Cass County

Sept 8: 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Dowagiac Church of Christ, 58273 M-51, Dowagiac

Van Buren County

Sept. 11: Noon to 5:45 p.m., Simpson United Methodist Church, 507 Joy St., Bangor Sept 11: Noon to 5:45 p.m., Moose Lodge 697, 1025 Wells St., South Haven

How to donate blood

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass ® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission, officials said. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit on Twitter at @RedCross.