Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
It has been ten years since the blossoming potential of five young women was cut short. In 2007, a tragic accident took the lives of the Fairport Angels-- Hannah Congdon, Bailey Goodman, Meredith McClure, Sara Monnat, and Katie Shirley. The accident happened less than a week after they graduated from Fairport High School while they were on their way to a lakeside cottage.
To remember their generous and giving spirits and to and give hope to others, the families of the Fairport Angels and the American Red Cross are holding a special blood drive. This is the 7th blood drive held to remember the Fairport Angels. To date, more than 200 units of blood have been collected, giving hope to hundreds of patients. A single blood donation may help up to three patients.
“The blood drive is a way to thank those in our community and beyond who supported us during our darkest time and continue to support us today,” said Stephanie Shirley, mother of Katie Shirley. “It’s our way of giving back and helping make sure blood is available for patients in need.”
This year, the blood drive includes a “Sleeves Up” campaign. This online tool allows Red Cross supporters to create a virtual blood drive and encourage colleagues, friends and family members living nearby or far away to give blood or platelets. The SleevesUp virtual blood drive lets people honor someone’s life, celebrate a special occasion or simply bring people together to help save lives, any time of the year, regardless of location. Through SleevesUp, people who feel passionate about blood donations can also invite those in their personal networks to pledge their support by making an appointment to donate blood or platelets. The goal of the blood drive is to get 100 units collected on location, and an additional 50 units through Sleeves Up.
Remembering the Fairport Angels Blood Drive
Thursday, June 15
1-7 p.m.
St. John of Rochester
8 Wickford Way, Fairport
To make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code stjohnofrochesterfairport.
The Red Cross urges those who have never donated blood or platelets, as well as current donors, to make a donation appointment now and help sustain a sufficient community blood supply. Blood and platelet donations often do not keep pace with hospital demand during the summer months, but every day there are thousands of lives to help save. Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals almost as quickly as donations come in.
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 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.
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.
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