Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
SAN DIEGO (Feb. 5, 2020) — NEWS 8 is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a Celebration of Heroes Blood Drive2 in honor of Kyle Kraska Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020.
Kyle Kraska, NEWS 8 sports director, nearly died five years ago after being shot six times as he was leaving for work. He was rushed to La Jolla’s Scripps Memorial Hospital where he was treated for numerous traumatic injuries including a perforated liver and a collapsed lung. Kraska coded twice on the operating table and required multiple transfusions of blood products. Just days later, he woke up from a coma and walked out of the hospital.
Marking the five-year anniversary of his survival, NEWS 8 is inviting the community to help celebrate Kraska’s recovery and honor the first responders and blood donors that helped save his life, while collecting lifesaving blood for other patients.
“I needed 14 units of blood to keep me alive,” said Kraska. “Thanks to those heroes who donated, I am still here to pay it forward. Our first Celebration of Heroes Blood Drive was an enormous success. This year, our goal is to more than double the effort and collect 400 units to honor of all those who save lives every day – trauma surgeons, doctors, nurses, EMTs, first responders, blood donors – and to help fill a need for blood products in San Diego and across the country.”
As a thank you, those who come to donate blood will receive a commemorative red Celebration of Heroes T-shirt, courtesy of Kyle Kraska and News 8, while supplies last. In addition, all presenting donors will receive a coupon redeemable for a free chips and guacamole at Rubios Coastal Grill.*
NEWS 8 will be broadcasting live throughout the entire day. The San Diego Padres, San Diego Gulls, San Diego Sockers, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Strike Force and the San Diego Police & Fire Department are all showing support for this blood drive.
To make an appointment for Kyle Kraska’s Celebration of Heroes Blood Drive2, visit: www.cbs8.com/HEROES.
Kyle Kraska’s Celebration of Heroes Blood Drive2
Thursday, Feb. 13
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton Mission Valley
7450 Hazard Center Drive
Eligible donors who cannot give at the February 13 blood drive can also support a Celebration of Heroes Red Cross SleevesUp virtual blood drive. Simply click on the Kyle Kraska’s Celebration of Heroes Blood Drive2 and make an appointment at any convenient blood donation opportunity.
How to donate blood
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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.
*Coupon from Rubios Coastal Grill expires April 30, 2020. Not transferable or not redeemable for cash.