3rd annual Nancy Snider Memorial Challenge Blood Drive seeks 700th donation in her name

The cities of Hobart and Hammond are joining together for a friendly competition to pay tribute to award-winning educator and community activist Nancy Snider. The community is invited to give blood with the American Red Cross in memory of Nancy on Wednesday, May 17, at Hobart High School in Hobart, or Thursday, May 18, at Jean Shepherd Community Center in Hammond.

Nancy passed away from brain cancer after a 14-month illness in May 2014. A native of Hobart and a teacher and school principal in Hammond, Nancy received many awards and recognitions during her career in education, including the 2005 Indiana Elementary School Principal of the Year. Nancy was loved and respected by students, parents and staff alike. She thrived on making a difference in her students’ lives and inspired many to give back to their community.

 

This is the third year the memorial challenge has been held, with the first two years resulting in 419 blood donations. Organizers hope the Red Cross will collect about 270 blood donations this year, which may result in the 700th donation made in Nancy’s name. 

 

“Participating in this blood drive in her name is a wonderful way to remember Nancy Snider and honor her legacy of giving to the community,” said Lori Caputo, recruitment manager for the Red Cross. 

 

The Nancy Snider Memorial Challenge is sponsored by the Nancy Snider Memorial Fund, the City of Hammond, the City of Hobart, School City of Hobart and Superintendent Peggy Buffington, Ph.D., School City of Hammond and Superintendent Dr. Walter J. Watkins, and the Hammond Education Foundation.

 

Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect nearly 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide.

 

 

Hobart High School – Field House

2211 E 10th St., Hobart, IN 46342

 

Jean Shepherd Community Center – Gym

3031 J.F. Mahoney Dr., Hammond, IN 46323

 

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

 

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. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 

###