EBy Rory Mahon ’18

Every two seconds, someone in the United States has an urgent need for blood.  To meet the demands of emergency blood transfusions, institutions across the country host blood drives.  In line with Chaminade’s philosophy of helping those in need, the senior class willingly gave the gift of blood at the Annual Senior Blood Drive on Friday, November 6.

Coordinated by Mr. Thomas Dillon ’92 and Mr. Vincent Jeffrey ’04, and in association with the Long Island Blood Service, the blood drive was a great success.  The participating seniors exceeded expectation and donated about ninety-five pints of blood.

All students who contributed were aware that they would likely never meet their respective blood recipients; nevertheless, they generously donated their blood to support the blood banks that assist patients in dire need of transfusions.

“I did the blood drive because I felt there shouldn’t be a waiting list for blood transfusions,” said Christian Gagnon ‘16.  “I wanted to help alleviate that issue by donating blood.”  

According to the American Red Cross, 38 perecent of people in the United States are eligible to donate, but less than 10 percent choose to do so.  The seniors who donated added to the list of names of the ten percent who contribute blood to support the 41,000 blood transfusions completed daily.

“The blood drive was a moving experience,” said Robert Wines ‘16.  “For a small inconvenience, I was able to give someone an added opportunity for a fulfilling life.  The realization struck a chord with me.  The saying is certainly true: give blood and save a life.”