by BARBARA MORSE, NBC 10 NEWSFriday, September 25th 2020
Estelle Barada. (WJAR)
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A Providence woman who is battling for her life is hoping you'll give the gift of life.
"I am a living history reenactor and what I do is take on a character in history and tell their story," said Estelle Barada, who is now sharing her personal story.
She was diagnosed at the height of the pandemic back in April with pancreatic cancer. Immediately Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg came to mind.
"She went on battling her cancer but you didn't see that for nine years. You saw all the great things that she was doing," said Barada, who is hoping to do great things of her own with whatever time she has on this earth.
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"People are always asking me, 'Oh, what can we do for you?' They feel so sorry that I have cancer," said Barada. "And I said, 'Oh, okay, well you can give blood.'"
Right now, Barada is holding her own undergoing chemotherapy. She hasn't needed blood, but friends have. And she knows she may someday, too.
"I know people right now are pretty scared to go in and give blood," said Barada. "It is safe, They're going to take really good care of you."
And it's desperately needed.
"We have a lot of concerns about the blood supply. There have been many days where type O, which is most needed by hospitals has been at a 1.5 day supply,” said Kara LeBlanc, with the Rhode I Blood Center.
She said a six to seven day supply helps ensure it's on the shelf when needed.
"We need to start giving life back , you know people's quality of life and this is the way to do it," added Barada.
So, here is how you can help: NBC 10 is hosting a fall blood drive from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Greenwich Avenue in Warwick.
To protect against the spread of coronavirus, donors must make an appointment online.
At the moment, there are about 90 spots still open.
All presenting donors will receive a free Awful Awful drink from Newport Creamery.
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