“You never know whose life you’re going to save.”

By Ehrett Ramey

The American Red Cross partnered with Iona College Wed., Jan 30, to host a blood drive. Iona students came out in force, with close to 100 people participating in the collection. Pierre Eliezer, a junior at Iona College, has been participating in blood drives at Iona for three semesters.

 “You never know whose life you’re going to save,” he said. 

The Jan. 30 drive was so busy that the Red Cross called upon staff members from Albany, New York, 150 miles away, to drive down to lend a hand. Debbie Kellogg, a Red Cross volunteer nurse from Albany, was excited about the turnout and declared the event a success.

“It has been very steady and we’ve had a lot of double donations, which is great,” she said.

Double donors are people with sought-after O-Negative, O-Positive, A-Negative and B-Negative blood types, which is in short supply. A special machine is used to allow these donors to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation.  

Only 38 percent of Americans are eligible to donate blood, and more than 44,000 blood donations a day are needed to keep up with the demand for blood. So please sign up at www.redcrossblood.org and donate to the Red Cross; each pint of blood has the potential to save three lives.

The American Red Cross thanks the Iona College students, New Rochelle community members and Red Cross volunteers that made this blood drive successful.

Volunteer Spotlight: Jean Curry

Jean Curry, an American Red Cross volunteer from the Phoenix Grand Canyon chapter, is a Disaster Action Team member who also handles Service to the Armed Forces caseloads. Additionally, Curry deploys nationally to major disasters as a client caseworker. In this role, she provides families with needed services, helping them move towards recovery.

An active blood donor for the past three years, Curry was scheduled to donate on Dec. 4. However, her plans were abruptly changed when she was deployed to New York City to help with the Superstorm Sandy relief effort.

When Curry hopped on a plane for New York on Dec. 3 she learned that a blood drive was being held at the Greater New York Red Cross headquarters, where she would be working. She seized the opportunity to donate as soon as possible.

“I know this is the right thing to do. I’m saving a life, and that makes me feel so good,” she said.

A retired social worker, Curry says that her volunteer involvement with the Red Cross is very satisfying, “It gives me all the flexibility I want and the opportunity to help others.”

AECOM and the American Red Cross Partner for Historic Blood Drive at Grand Central Terminal

NYC commuters are rolling up their sleeves to help save lives today at a blood drive being held from 8 am to 6 pm at in Vanderbilt Hall at New York’s historic Grand Central Terminal on E. 42nd Street.
With a history spanning the better part of a century, Grand Central Terminal has long stood as a symbol of the promise that entry into New York City holds. Likewise, the American Red Cross has long served as a symbol of hope and humanitarian aid to those in need.
The blood drive is being hosted by AECOM, a provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government.

“AECOM and our employees have a long-standing history of partnering with, and supporting, the Red Cross,” said AECOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John M. Dionisio. “We are delighted to sponsor such an important event for the New York City metro area.”

The blood drive comes at a crucial time for the Red Cross, as summer months can take a toll on the blood supply, with high schools and colleges on break and many potential donors pursuing summer activities. Unfortunately, patients don’t get a holiday from needing blood products. The need is constant, and donations must be continual to provide for hospital patients in need. Yet, despite this constant need, only five percent of the eligible population actually donates blood.

Ironman triathlete Brian Boyle was on hand this morning to encourage people to donate. Following a horrific car crash in 2004, the now 26-year-old Boyle would have lost his life had he not received 36 pints of blood from the Red Cross. Due to Brian's determination and physical conditioning, Brian gradually progressed from a coma to a wheelchair, eventually competing in the Iron Man Triathlon in Hawaii and most recently the Boston Marathon. Brian says he represents the many blood recipients whose lives have been saved in part due to Red Cross blood donors.

“One hour of someone’s time today can save three lives,” he said. “I’m proof of that. Please come down to Grand Central Terminal and donate.”

“Blood must be on hand when it’s needed to help save a life, whether it be a young mother who needs blood during a difficult childbirth, a friend or family member needing blood during cancer treatments or the victim of a traumatic injury who needs several units of blood in the emergency room,” said Donna M. Morrissey, Director, Communications, American Red Cross Blood Services – Northeast Division. “We are so pleased to work with AECOM to bring a historic opportunity to those who live or work in New York City to donate blood and experience giving the gift of life.”

Commuters and other New Yorkers are urged to stop by Grand Central Terminal and donate blood today!