Local mother inspires blood donors to give now
Sherrard Community encouraged to give blood in memory of Sara Wyant
SHERRARD, Ill. (Oct. 16, 2018) — The American Red Cross is joining family and friends to host a blood drive in honor of Sara Wyant, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Sherrard High School, 4701 176th Ave., in Sherrard.
Over the past 15 years, more than 1,200 donations have been collected in Sara’s memory. This year’s blood drive comes at a time when Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donors of all blood types to give now and help save patient lives. This year, the blood drive is anticipated to collect nearly 68 lifesaving donations.
The Wyant family knows firsthand that emergencies can happen when least expected. In October 2003, Sara Wyant, a sophomore at Sherrard High School, died from injuries sustained in a car accident while on her way to school. Sara was known to have big dreams and a sparkling personality, all while sharing her compassion with others. Just five months after her 16th birthday, receiving her driver’s license and registering to become an organ donor, Sara’s life came to a halt. Although Sara did not receive any blood products after her accident, the Wyant family holds an appreciation for the importance of blood donations.
“The act of donating blood is such an easy gift to give,” said Tracy Wyant, Sara’s mother. “It takes less than an hour of time and can make the different between life and death to so many. Blood donations can be miracles to those in need - a gift given so generously to each other.”
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.
“Hosting this blood drive in her name is a wonderful way to honor Sara and help patients in need,” said Gwen Bartoluzzi, account manager for the Red Cross Heart of America Blood Services Region. “We are grateful for Sherrard High School for sponsoring this blood drive.”
Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.
How to donate blood
Simply download the 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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, from a computer or mobile device. 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.