Support Group formed for men with prostate cancer; meeting is Thursday

The Men’s Prostate Cancer Support Group of Enumclaw has met twice and is accepting new members.

David Treat conceived the notion of forming a local support group and a handful of men gathered for the first time in January. Meetings take place at 6:30 p.m. every other Thursday in the conference room at Treat Heating and Cooling, 844 Mt. Villa Dr.

The next session will take place Thursday, Feb. 26.

“Our mission is to provide education, support and anonymity, allowing men to share in a safe environment,” said Mike Johnson, a support group member. According to the American Cancer Society, about one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. While serious, it is not fatal in most cases, according to information provided by the local group.

For more information about the Enumclaw support group, contact Gordon at 1-907-371-6448.

Blood drive Monday at St. Elizabeth

A blood drive is planned for Monday, March 2, in Enumclaw.

The event will take place in the Rainier Room at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Donors will be seen from noon to 6 p.m., except for a break between 2 and 2:45.The drive is sponsored by Bloodworks Northwest, formerly known as the Puget Sound Blood Center. The name change reflects the organization’s service to hospitals in both Western Washington and Oregon.

Those wishing to donate can register at www.bloodworksnw.org. Donors needing help scheduling an appointment can either call the center at 1-800-398-7888 or email schedule@bloodworksnw.org.

During the March 2 blood drive, walk-in donors will be seen around the scheduled appointments.