Red Cross to hold blood drive in memory of David Lawrence Duchnick

SCOTT TOWNSHIP, PA—David Lawrence Duchnick was always willing to lend a helping hand. The organ donor and volunteer firefighter was working as a tow truck operator—a family business and a job he loved—when he sustained a severe spinal cord injury in a tragic accident on Route 81 last August.

 

“David was well liked by everyone, and he helped in the community 24/7 in any way possible,” shared his wife, Marisa.

 

Duchnick died from his injuries on Aug. 8 at only 29 years of age, but his spirit of giving and sense of community live on. To honor his memory his family and friends are partnering with the American Red Cross to host the inaugural David Lawrence Duchnick Memorial Blood Drive on Friday, June 2 from 1-6 p.m. at the Joe Terry Civic Center, 1038 Montdale Road, Scott Township.

 

To make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code Duchnick.

 

“Giving blood is a selfless act. In less than an hour, you can change the lives of individuals in need, along with those who love them,” said Marisa Duchnick.

 

 

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 home or work computer 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.