TIPP CITY, Ohio (July 13, 2018) — Local Boy Scout Brady Shilt is working on his Eagle Scout Project, but for him, its more than just a project. When thinking about how he could benefit his community, he decided to honor his grandparents while helping hospital patients in need through a special American Red Cross blood drive.
The community is invited to give blood in honor of Tipp City residents Sarah and Pete Winner at a Red Cross blood drive held in their name Thursday, July 26, 1 to 7 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tipp City.
In 2014, Sarah was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. Since then she has received three blood transfusions and a stem cell transplant. She may need more transfusions as treatment continues. Sarah was very active in her church before she became ill. Pete served in the Air Force and is active with Knights of Columbus and AmVets. At 76 years old, Pete is still a regular blood donor, and both are known for being long-time blood donors.
“They are both wonderful people,” said Brady. “I want to organize this blood drive because my grandmother, like so many other people, is alive today because someone donated blood. I heard recently that 38 percent of the population is eligible to donate but only three percent actually give. It would be great to see that percentage grow.”
Brady, a 17-year-old student at Tippecanoe High School, wants to honor his grandparents for their many years of giving to the community as blood donors, and also make a positive impact on hospital patient care. “This project is about doing something good. I want people to realize the impact their donation can make and maybe they will become regular donors,” said Brady.
“There are so many reasons why someone may need blood that we don’t even realize,” said Peter Checkie, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross. “We take for granted that blood will be there at the hospital when we need it, but it can only come from generous volunteer donors. Giving blood in honor of Sarah and Pete is a wonderful way to honor them and potentially help others in need.”
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces an emergency blood shortage and is issuing an urgent call for blood and platelet donors to give now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatment they need. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. More donations are immediately needed to help replenish the blood supply.
Donate blood in honor of Sarah and Pete Winner
Thursday, July 26, 2018
1 to 7 p.m.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
753 S. Hyatt St., Tipp City, OH 45371
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 more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide.
Everyone who comes to donate now through September 3 can receive an exclusive Cedar Fair ticket offer that helps support the Red Cross. Blood drive participants can go to RedCrossBlood.org/CedarFair to purchase discounted tickets for gate admission. For each ticket purchased through the website, Cedar Fair will donate $2 to the Red Cross to support its humanitarian mission. Terms and conditions apply and are available at RedCrossBlood.org/CedarFair. Those who come to donate with the Red Cross in Central Ohio now through August 31 can also receive a Columbus Zoo and Aquarium buy one get one free entry coupon.
How to donate blood
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 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, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
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. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.