Determined to help: Red Crosser finds fulfilling commitment in rolling up a sleeve

As we age, it is almost inevitable that we will know someone, a family member or friend, who will be diagnosed with cancer. This was true in my life and was driven home by my wife’s diagnosis of breast cancer in 2019. Her diagnosis, treatment and recovery were very successful and now, more than six years later she is a model of recovery.

At the end of that journey, when the anxiety and fear had begun to subside, I was left wondering what I could do to help others facing health issues. I began volunteering for many research studies and have found that quite rewarding but something was still missing. I needed a tangible result from my involvement. A friend of mine mentioned that she was on her way to donate blood and it struck me that I could donate as well.

My involvement with the Red Cross began with a visit to https://www.redcrossblood.org and downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor app. On June 9, 2023, I donated my first pint of whole blood and continued doing so every 2 months, which is the maximum donation limit.

Photo: Joe Booth, August 2025

As 2025 began with the mandatory New Year’s resolutions, I began digging deeper into the Red Cross website and discovered platelet donation. Now I donate both whole blood and platelets, with both donations vitally important. So far this year, I have donated platelets eight times. People can donate platelets every 7 days up to 24 times per year. Platelets only have a shelf life of five days so we know when we donate platelets that those platelets will quickly head to someone in need.

Given my wife’s experience with cancer, I was moved when I learned that approximately 50% of donated platelets go to help cancer patients whose own platelets can be destroyed by their disease or their necessary treatments. Other patients who depend upon platelets include accident and burn victims, those undergoing heart or transplant surgery, and those dealing with sickle cell disease. A unique feature of the blood donor app that I enjoy tells the donor where their blood and platelet donations end up. It is so amazing to see those red pins pop up all over the Northeast where patients in need received my donation! My donations have gone as far north as Watertown, NY; as far west as Pittsburgh, PA; east to New York City and south to Baltimore.

I have found the fulfilling commitment I was looking for! Donating whole blood or platelets is easy, and as an added benefit, each platelet bed has a big monitor complete with Netflix. You can load up your favorite show and relax!

Photo: Joe Booth, August 2025

To make blood and platelet donation even more accessible, the Red Cross recently celebrated a new blood donation center on the east side of Monroe County. The B. Thomas Golisano Blood Donation Center is a renovated and expanded blood donation center located in the Perinton Hills Shopping Center on Pittsford-Palmyra Road. The center handles all types of blood donations and is staffed by truly wonderful people.

I would encourage you to consider joining me as a blood and platelet donor.  You may not know that 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood but only about 3% donate. The need for blood is constant as every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. And a single blood donation can help save more than one life.

September is a great time to become a blood donor and make a huge impact on our friends and neighbors in need.  September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that has no universal cure. Blood transfusions can help reduce recurrent pain crises patients often feel, as well as other complications. Your blood type could be the perfect match to help a patient with sickle cell disease.

September is also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. These young patients may need blood products on a regular basis during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment. Give blood and help support kids, teens and young adults facing cancer.

So let’s roll up our sleeves and get donating! Go to RedCrossBlood.org for more information. 

Written by: Rick Pearson 

Rick is a Communications Volunteer and also serves as a Blood Drive Ambassador at blood drives in the Greater Rochester chapter for the American Red Cross of Western New York.

Blood Donor Spotlight: Sir Squeaks A Lot & Piggy Smalls

Every two seconds, someone is in need in lifesaving blood and volunteer blood donors are the only source.

That makes all blood donors heroes – even the furry, four-legged ones.

Photo credit: Ben Read

Meet Sir Squeaks a Lot and his partner, Piggy Smalls. The pair of guinea pigs were abandoned in an apartment hallway and recently rescued by Jess Meacham.

“A neighbor called and said I don’t know what to do,” Meacham explained. “Unfortunately, we get emergency calls all the time.”

Meacham founded the Buffalo Guinea Pig Rescue Mafia one year ago and has since helped to rescue and find homes for more than 100 local guinea pigs. When Oliver, one of the first guinea pigs she helped to place in a loving home took a turn for the worse, Meacham says she never expected what would happen next.

“Oliver’s veterinarian did a full work up and it turns out he had three bladder stones and needed surgery,” she explained. “After surgery he went down hill very quickly and his doctor recommended a blood transfusion. I’ve had experience as a human blood donor before, but never with animals.”

Given their age and size, Meacham brought Sir Squeaks a Lot and Piggy Smalls to the veterinarian to see if either might be a match for a blood transfusion in Oliver’s case. She says the veterinarian shared that given Oliver’s condition what happened next was nothing short of a miracle.

“Sir Squeaks a Lot saved the day. He’s literally a hero and saved Oliver’s life. Oliver looks fantastic now.”

Now, Sir Squeaks a Lot is looking for a hero of his own. He and his pal Piggy Smalls are up for adoption. The two come as a pair as Meacham says that Guinea Pigs don’t like to be separated from their partners.

“They’re big old sweeties the both of them and they love each other a whole bunch.”

You can be a hero like Sir Squeaks a Lot by making your own appointment to give blood or platelets and help keep the blood supply strong this summer. Type O blood products are most needed on hospital shelves right now – especially in the face of seasonal challenges like severe weather, summer fun and more.

Make the world brighter for patients in need. Schedule your appointment to donate blood or platelets today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800 RED CROSS or downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor app to your smartphone.

Sickle Cell Warrior Uses Voice To Advocate For Fellow Patients

Sickle Cell Warrior Uses Voice To Advocate For Fellow Patients

“I use the word warrior a lot when I talk about people who battle with sickle cell disease and their families because a lot of times it is a battle.”

It’s a battle 33-year-old Stephanie Ramos knows all too well. It’s one she’s been fighting since birth.

“I was born with Sickle Cell disease. I have a twin brother who has the Sickle Cell trait.”

From roughly six months of age that meant episodes or “crises” as Ramos describes it, each time requiring lifesaving blood transfusions to alleviate what she recalls as tortuous pain.

“If you asked any Sickle Cell warrior, they would tell you it feels like being stabbed. It feels like being hit with a bat. Every second, every minute, every hour that it’s not being treated or taken care of.”

Sickle Cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the United States, impacting an estimated 100,000 people, most of whom are of African descent. The disease distorts soft and round red blood cells and turns them crescent shaped. As a result, blood has difficulty flowing smoothly and carrying oxygen to the rest of the body, which can lead to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, anemia and even stroke.

“It causes a decaying effect in that particular part of the body,” Ramos explains. “It’s not getting the proper oxygen it needs so it starts to die and that’s what we call an episode. It’s pain and a lot of times it causes hospitalization and then most importantly, that leads to a blood transfusion.”

Ramos estimates that she received at least two blood transfusions per year from birth to age 25. In some cases, patients may require as many as 100 units of blood per patient per year to combat the painful effects.

“I always had to take a pack or two of blood. It’s a scary thing. Receiving life from someone I don’t even know. When you donate, you’re donating to someone like me who is in need and it’s needed more than ever.”

Like so many battling Sickle Cell disease, Ramos knows that frequent blood transfusions can make

finding compatible blood types much more difficult and that most often, donations from Black and Brown donors are the most compatible blood types for treatment.

Because of that, Ramos says she was forced to find her advocacy voice – for herself and now others, at a very young age.

“They pump new blood into us. Literally,” she explains. “So, when I tell people about donating blood, I tell them you are literally giving life again to someone whose life is fading away. When I speak to individuals from my background, from my Black and Brown communities, I say we scream that all lives matter – well, this is the start. If my life matters and yours does as well this is the start to show how much we matter to each other, by donating.”

In remission since a bone marrow transplant eight years ago, Ramos is now using her voice to help her fellow warriors through Sickle Cell Advocates of Rochester, or S.C.A.R. The group works to support patients and families affected by Sickle Cell in the Rochester area, hosting educational and social events, fundraising and much more.

“I use my voice because it’s all I’ve ever had. This is part of our toolbox. I’m lucky to be a person who walks in faith and since I can’t donate, let me be a person who can use my words to help bring others to donate and serve as an advocate.”

Part of Ramos’ own toolbox is hosting blood drives through S.C.A.R. and regularly encouraging others in the community to donate. While she recognizes a fear associated with donating, she has this to say on behalf of her fellow warriors.

“We have to watch out for our communities, because if we’re not looking out for ourselves, who is? If fear is the reason you don’t want to donate, then volunteer. Help us out and maybe you’ll learn it’s not a scary thing. And know that for two seconds of being scared, you just gave someone another two seconds of life back.”

One in three African American blood donors are a match for people with Sickle Cell disease. To help ensure patients have the lifesaving blood products they need, the American Red Cross of Western New York works with partners like S.C.A.R. to grow the number of compatible donors. You can help Sickle Cell warriors in the community by making an appointment to donate by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-REDCROSS or downloading the FREE Blood Donor App on your smartphone.

Spurred by the onset of the pandemic, Rochester blood researcher starts a new donation tradition

The days and weeks that followed the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 were filled with uncertainty. The day-to-day routines to which we’d been accustomed coming to a standstill as the world all but shut down as it eagerly awaited answers.

Educators and employers alike switched to virtual formats, forced to reassess the way in which they served the public with little notice. The American Red Cross and its partners were no exception. Like many organizations, we had to pivot in the wake of these changes both internally and externally to continue our mission-driven work of delivering help and hope, while maintaining a safe environment for our volunteer workforce and the people we are proud to serve.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the Red Cross has experienced about a 10 percent drop in the number of blood donors and a 62 percent drop in blood drives at local schools and colleges, further contributing to what is now a crisis-level blood shortage nationwide. As a result, the nation’s blood supply levels are at their lowest levels in more than a decade. To add to that challenge, locally in 2021 alone, the number of first-time blood donors in our region dropped by more than 34 percent – largely due to the pandemic.

And then there’s Paul Kingsley.

For the Rochester native, the uncertainties, particularly in the early days of the pandemic, seemed to have had the opposite effect.

“I was an occasional donor and hadn’t given for a while. But then I saw something on the media in April or May [of 2020]. Everything was shut down, people were working from home, unemployment was soaring. I was working from home at the time, and they said there’s still a desperate need for blood and they talked about how the bandwidth for donors was smaller. But they went through some of the protections in place to protect them and I decided, I think May of 2020, to donate blood and promote it on Twitter and Facebook to let people know – hey, yes, everything is risky these days, but this is something you can do to actually help people. Blood is the gift of life, so I chose to give.”

Kingsley should know better than anyone. Given his line of work with the University of Rochester for more than 30 years, he has a unique perspective on the benefits of blood donation. Not to mention that his decision to share with others on social media pays off. We first connected, after he tweeted some words of encouragement to potential donors; along with a brief personal background on his decision to donate.

“I'm a research scientist at the University of Rochester Medical Center and I work on blood cell development, including red blood cell development and being in a clinical department, in the Department of Pediatrics, I'm well aware of patients who have various anemias, like sickle cell anemia, how important red cells are – and also for people with cancer, especially kids with cancer. How important transfusions are.”

Nearly two years on from the onset of the pandemic, the ability to supply the lifesaving blood needed to treat those patients in need has never been under greater threat. A number of factors including COVID, winter weather and others have continued to impact the nation’s blood inventory with fewer donations leading to a less than day’s supply of critical blood types in recent weeks and donors like Kingsley are the only source.

“I give probably every eight weeks,” he explained. “Whenever they send me the notice I say ‘Ok, I’ll schedule.’ So I’ve become a more frequent donor and try to make up for people who can’t give or might be concerned about giving.”

But it’s also become more than that for the researcher whose continued penchant for blood donation also began as a way to honor his father’s legacy of donating, through his regular appointments he now makes a point of honoring others.

“There are drives to honor or to recognize people who may have passed on, so sometimes I’ll look and see what’s available. I’ve done that a number of times or made an effort to go to a different place than I normally do just to see the people who show up there and to help to recognize that person and participate.”

Just like Paul, you can participate and make a difference by making an appointment to donate in the days and weeks to come by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor app.

Meg Rossman, Regional Communications Manager, American Red Cross of WNY

A son's promise: blood donor hosts regular drives in promise kept to late mother

I guess you could say that donating blood is, well…in Bruce Kimmey’s blood.

The Chemung county native first started donating in 1979.

“I first donated blood as a senior in high school. Initially, I did it to get out of class,” he laughed.

While it may have gotten him an excuse from class that day, it marked the first donation of what would be many thanks to the encouragement of family along the way. Bruce’s father was a local firefighter who would regularly bring him to blood drives over the course of about a decade he explained. When he married in 1992, Bruce continued the tradition donating roughly every 8 weeks with his new bride.

“You say wow, but next year my wife is going to hit 20 gallons! I’m thinking late next year, we’ve got to have a 20-gallon party for her.”

But Bruce’s record isn’t so bad himself. Now up to 51 units donated, he began volunteering at drives and acting as a courier to transport blood products to the Red Cross in West Henrietta. He also donated at drives held at the Willard Correctional Facility where he works as a Correctional Officer. He explained that prior to September 2019, the facility averaged two drives per year – then Bruce took over.

“They were looking for a blood program leader at work, so I stepped up and said sure I could do that.” 

That first drive, in his opinion, didn’t go so well. Turning to his mother for support, he received some unexpected news and along with it, the inspiration to carry on. 

“That same day I knew she had a doctor’s appointment. What I didn’t know is that it was with a hematologist. When I got home, I called her and asked how it went, and to tell her how our drive went. I told her we got 41 units and I wasn’t very happy and she said, ‘I received my first unit of blood today.’”

He explained that his mother was no longer producing enough red blood cells, and from that initial appointment went on to receive one unit of blood per week until her passing nearly 40 weeks later in July 2020 – just one week short of her 83^rd birthday.

“She asked me not to stop. Don’t stop what you’re doing, I appreciate what you’re doing. And I said I won’t stop.”

It was that conversation that inspired Bruce to turn to his Superintendent to increase drive frequencies at the facility to support patients in need like his mother. His initial plan was one drive every 16 weeks and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“They’ve been extremely supportive. A lot of jails couldn’t host blood drives because of the pandemic and drives were getting canceled left and right. So I said, what’s the possibility of us doing them every 8 weeks?”

And since July 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic and the loss of his mother, it’s been every 8 weeks.

“To me, it means life or death. Sometimes, it takes seeing that you might lose a family member,” he said. “Blood products don’t appear out of nowhere.”

For patients like Bruce’s mother, help can’t wait. Right now, the Red Cross has an emergency need for blood and platelet donors as hospitals nationwide see an increase in trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries.

All blood types are needed, particularly type O and platelets. Type O blood is the most needed by hospitals in emergency situations. Blood cannot be stockpiled and with less than a half day supply of type O in recent weeks, there is an emergency need for type O donors. 

To be able to meet the demand, the Red Cross is urging people to donate to ensure patients receive the lifesaving treatment they need. To help do your part, visit RedCrossBlood.org to find and schedule an appointment near you.

 

 

As nephew battles pediatric cancer, blood donations take on special meaning for Gates woman

It was a normal day at the office when I virtually “connected” with Lisa Bubel in March. 

The Spencerport native and mother of four tagged the Red Cross in a photo on our Twitter account. It was a picture of Bubel donating blood, part of a series of regular appointments the One Gallon donor proudly keeps.

What struck me, though, was that she also posted a photo of a young boy receiving blood – her two-year-old nephew Landon, currently battling cancer.

“I’m donating and I find out that my nephew is receiving blood at the exact same time,” Bubel explained. “It hit the heartstrings even more.”

Bubel is acutely aware of the lifesaving impact donating blood can have. Donating for the first time nearly 15 years ago, the lieutenant with the Rochester Fire Department and part-time Emergency Medical Technician, says she sees the critical need on an almost daily basis.

“So many people need it, people you don’t even realize. We need the blood supplies in stock and ready to go. God forbid there is a major disaster or injuries, you need it for that. But also cancer patients and people with various illnesses. It’s so important to have it in stock.”

Diagnosed at four months old after his parents discovered a lump on his nose, Bubel says Landon is in his second round of treatment and has received blood and platelets several times throughout his fight. Since then, donating blood has become something of a family tradition with future plans to hold a drive in Landon’s honor.

“It makes it much more meaningful when you know someone who has needed a transfusion. I know he’s not getting my blood, but I know that when I’m donating that it’s going to be used. He’s had times where they’ve needed to send him in now to get it. So I have that personal understanding of what it means to have everything stocked up and ready to go when its needed.”

That need, as Bubel well knows will become even more critical as we head into the summer months. As people resume normal summer activities, the likelihood that blood donor turnout and the blood supply is impacted becomes even greater. Every two seconds someone in the United States is in need of lifesaving blood and donating blood or platelets is not only an easy way to give back, but also to make a difference for those in need – people like Landon.

That’s why Bubel is encouraging family and friends to donate as often as they can. For her part, she’s even turned it into a friendly competition racking up badges on the Red Cross Blood Donor app and comparing milestones with loved ones.

“I can’t talk enough about the app! You can pre-register, fill in questions and schedule your appointment with the click of a button. I schedule my appointment before I walk from donating, it’s so easy,” Bubel laughed. “It’s just that first step of going into the unknown. Take that first step and donate. It’s helping so many people and it’s just so worth it.”

Worth it, indeed.

You can make an appointment to donate blood and provide help and hope to patients like Landon by visiting RedCrossBlood.org

 

Finger Lakes Couple Estimates They've Donated Blood 180 Times - Each

As the sun has set on another Red Cross month, it is important to reflect on the people and connections that allow the Red Cross to fulfill its lifesaving mission. 

It's likely you've heard the story. In a tradition first begun in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, presidents ever since have declared March as American Red Cross Month. It is a time when the Red Cross honors the volunteers who make up 90% of its workforce in order to fulfill a wide range of routine as well as sudden needs that are each in their own way very important to those the Red Cross serves.   

But so often we forget that carrying out such tasks involve a number of partnerships.  

Some of the partnerships are formal, like those surrounding agreements with facilities that can be counted on for setting up emergency shelters when severe emergencies leave people without a place to sleep or something to eat as they plan out their next steps. Others are less formal like those agreements with clubs or churches that provide space where a blood drive can be held.

In a way, the partnership Jay and Joan Hohmann have combines some of these features in a rare and very special way. For not only are they life partners, but when they’re not traveling or enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or skiing, for well over 40 years they have also made it a point to donate blood together.

As we mark National Volunteer month this April, it is fitting that we spotlight heroes like the Hohmann's who truly embody the spirit of volunteerism and the mission of the Red Cross all year long.

So much so that Jay estimates that they have now each donated blood 180 times.

Longtime residents of the Finger Lakes region, the Hohmann’s have further connections to Red Cross blood services beyond just being champion donors. A former employer of Mr. Hohmann was known to hold blood drives twice a year, and in addition to being active with Honeoye Community blood drives, Mrs. Hohmann went on to chair their blood drive herself for many years. Remarkably, Mrs. Hohmann confides that as both her sister and she have received blood transfusions she knows firsthand how critically important Red Cross blood services really are.

It's important to remember that the need for blood is constant, and volunteer donors like the Hohmann's are the only source for those in need. This National Volunteer Month, the Red Cross recognizes volunteers like the Hohmann's who help to fulfill its lifesaving mission and invite others to get involved.

Each year, nearly 2.6 million people donate blood and platelets through the Red Cross. Donating is a simple way to volunteer and help make a life-changing difference right here in our community. 

But it doesn't end there. 

You can support the Red Cross by volunteering at a blood drive, teaching lifesaving skills like first aid and CPR, responding to an emergency like a home fire, volunteering at our local VA hospital and more. However you feel called to serve, it's likely you'll find a home at the Red Cross. 

Story by: Robert Eurich, Red Cross of WNY Communications Volunteer

"Smiles for Seth" Blood Drive Held in Eight-Year-Old's Memory

‘Smiles for Seth’ Fire Safety Event to Resume in 2021

On August 13, 2020, the American Red Cross hosted a blood drive in memory of Seth Creenan at Glendale Elementary School. In 2018, Seth was in third grade when he tragically passed away at eight years old due to a fire in his family’s Tonawanda home. 

Mike Zekas, Seth Creenan’s grandfather, standing in front of a mural at Glendale Elementary School (Seth is the child holding the sign in the mural).

“The school district played a huge part in our healing process, their outreach to us was amazing,” said Mike Zekas, Seth’s grandfather. 

Seth’s family agreed to honor him through a blood drive this year after plans for the second annual Smiles for Seth fire safety and prevention event were put on hold due to COVID-19. The blood drive was successful, collecting 24 units of blood, which can help save up to 72 lives. The need for blood is constant, even during a pandemic. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control.

The goal of the Smiles for Seth event is to work together with local fire departments and the Red Cross to increase awareness of the importance of fire safety among families -- and ultimately save lives. The first event was arranged in June 2019 with the help of Seth’s family, Glendale Elementary School administration and local  Red Cross leadership. 

The Red Cross provided assistance to Zekas’ family immediately following the October 2018 house fire by arranging hotel accommodations. Later on, when a local Red Cross board member learned that a fire safety event in Seth’s memory was in the works, they offered to incorporate the Sound the Alarm program.  

“The Red Cross has been on board with us through the entire process and they were just as disappointed as we are about not being able to do the event this year,” Zekas added. 

Zekas hopes the event will continue to help capture parents’ attention. “The fire departments will come to the school and often do a fire drill at the school and hand out pamphlets to take home, and a lot of the time the parents don't really pay attention,” said Zekas. “Statistics show that there are not a lot of school fires, there are a lot of fires at home.” 

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape?

Does your family have an escape plan?

Have you practiced that escape plan? 

Do you have smoke alarms? 

When is the last time you checked to make sure your smoke alarms are working? 

It is important to educate yourself, educate your family and be prepared.

“If we can prevent one family from going through what we have gone through, then we have done our job,” said Zekas

The stage was set for this year’s Smiles for Seth event to expand, with plans to involve each elementary school and all of the local fire companies after the Sweet Home district superintendent witnessed the impact Smiles for Seth had in 2019. Zekas is thankful for the continued support from the community, and hopes to resume the event in 2021 when community members can safely attend. 

In times of crisis, the Red Cross is fortunate to witness the best of humanity as people roll up a sleeve to help those in need. Because about 80% of blood donations are made at drives hosted by community organizations, schools and businesses, the Red Cross urgently needs the help of both blood donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients. Learn more and sign up to sponsor a drive by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.  

Blood and platelet donors can make an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or by enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Story by: Nicole Mauro, American Red Cross

A Birthday Blood Donation Tradition

Eilish Cumbo celebrates her 30th birthday by
making her 56th blood donation

“Happy birthday to you...” is a tune we expect to hear at a family gathering, in an elementary school classroom or even at a restaurant. But at a blood donation center? 

Buffalo resident, Eilish Cumbo, recently flipped the script on the traditional birthday celebration. The Western New York Red Cross board member and regular blood donor is so dedicated, she scheduled her 56th blood donation – putting her at the 7 gallon mark – to take place on her 30th birthday as a special way to mark both major milestones.

She shares that growing up, both of her parents were regular blood donors.  Eilish can remember tagging along to their blood donation appointments. While there, the canteen volunteer would tell Eilish and her siblings they could have a cookie, but only if they promised to donate blood when they got older. She made good on her promise and started donating blood at the age of 16, and hasn’t stopped yet.

While there isn’t a specific story or occurrence tied to why she gives, she says, “I know someone out there needs it, and that is enough of a reason for me.” That person could be a trauma patient, someone fighting cancer, an organ transplant recipient or a sickle cell warrior. Eilish has type O- blood, so she knows her donation is especially important to helping patients in emergency situations.  A busy full-time job, completing (multiple!) advanced degrees, and even a global pandemic couldn’t pause Eilish’s commitment to giving lifesaving blood.

“Knowing that I am doing something small - and very easy - to help others is what motivates me to

WNY Chapter Board Member, Eilish Cumbo,
has donated seven gallons of blood so far

donate, and what led me to join the Board of Directors for the WNY American Red Cross so that I can make an even greater impact on the community,” she explained. “Every blood donation can help save up to three lives, so that is 168 people that may have been helped by my small action. Not a bad impact for fulfilling that promise to get a cookie.”

Want to start a new birthday tradition of your own? The American Red Cross urges healthy individuals to give blood or platelets for patients battling disease and facing the unexpected. Each day, the American Red Cross needs to collect nearly 13,000 blood donations and more than 2,600 platelet donations to meet the needs of patients at about 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. If you are feeling well, please make an appointment to give by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Story and Photos by: Katie Potter, American Red Cross
External Communications Manager

COVID-19 Drives Board Member to Donate Blood After 30-Year Hiatus

WNY Chapter Board Member, Mark Meyerhofer,
donating blood at the Union Road Donation Center
in Cheektowaga in June 2020

Mark Meyerhofer, a Board Member with the American Red Cross, Western New York Chapter, donated blood last month for the first time since he was in high school. He was understandably hesitant throughout the years after fainting the last time around. Now, just over 30 years later, he decided to give it another shot. 

The Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage as hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused earlier this spring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Blood drives continue to be canceled as many businesses and community organizations remain closed, but locations still welcoming donors are taking extensive precautions to help minimize the possibility of exposure and keep donors safe. In other words, there is no better time than now to take action, and Meyerhofer answered the call. 

“Right away, they put you at ease,” said Meyerhofer. “The door is locked when you arrive, someone comes out to escort you, they check your temperature at the door and again when you are doing your screening. They went above and beyond and I want to stress that.”

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. To ensure the health of staff and donors, precautions include:

• Checking temperatures of staff and donors before entering a drive to make sure they are healthy. 
• Providing hand sanitizer for use before entering the drives, as well as throughout the donation process.
• Following social distancing between donors including entry, donation and refreshment areas.
• Ensuring face masks or coverings are worn by both staff and donors.
• Routinely disinfecting surfaces, equipment and donor-touched areas.

While tens of thousands of donors gave blood in response to an initial blood shortage caused by this coronavirus outbreak, it’s important to remember that red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days of donation and platelets within just five days, so they must constantly be replenished.

In retrospect, Meyerhofer decided to donate at the perfect time. 

“By the time I went to donate, we were at the point of elective surgeries restarting and of course you need blood supply for that,” said Meyerhofer. 

And this time, things went much smoother as his fears of fainting subsided. 

“I am happy to do it, and it was a good experience. I already signed up for my next appointment in August!”

Meyerhofer has held a position on the Red Cross WNY Chapter Board since the fall of 2019. He currently works at Charter Communications in Buffalo, NY as the director of government relations. He began collaborating with the Red Cross when Charter Communications sponsored the Red Cross’ annual Sound the Alarm event in early 2018.

Meyerhofer’s reasons for accepting the board position and donating again go beyond the ramifications of COVID-19. Supporting those who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces has always been part of the mission of the Red Cross, and that resonated with Meyerhofer. 

“My father, who passed away almost a year ago, served in the Korean War and he had always talked about his affinity for the Red Cross because they had helped him when he was deployed and needed to get back home to his father who had fallen ill,” said Meyerhofer. “My dad had said all of his life that he would continue to give to the Red Cross until his dying days in return for what they did for him. It was always near and dear to him, therefore there had always been that personal connection for me.”

Meyerhofer encourages anyone who is considering donating, or like himself, has not donated in a long time, to start the conversation and hear others’ experiences. 

“It’s about finding a way to help out and give back,” said Meyerhofer. “I love that you are able to track exactly where your blood goes through the app, it makes it even more rewarding.”

You can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App today and schedule an appointment. As a humanitarian organization, we are committed to helping others in meaningful ways during this pandemic. The Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies to provide donors insight into whether they may have been exposed to this coronavirus. To learn more, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Story by: Nicole Mauro, American Red Cross

Communications Volunteer

Donating In Honor of Natalie and Lauren

Natalie and Lauren Wolniewicz received 30
blood transfusions.

On April 1, a very special blood drive took place in Springville, about half an hour south of Buffalo. The community turned out to show their support at a time when blood donations are urgently needed. 

It was in honor of Natalie and Lauren Wolniewicz: Now 2 years old, the twins were born 16 weeks early.  During the five months Natalie and Lauren spent in newborn intensive care, they received a total of 30 blood transfusions from donors.

The twins’ mother, Julie Wolniewicz, is new to volunteering with the American Red Cross.

“I’d donated blood in the past,” Julie told me, “but I’d never really considered that blood transfusions were for babies too.”

After a nurse mentioned Red Cross blood drives this February, Julie sprang into action. Setting up a blood drive, she reasoned, was the perfect opportunity to help out the community during a time of need.

Photos courtesy: Julie Wolniewicz

She dived in, organizing the upcoming drive with Mary Lattimer and Andrew Chung from Western New York’s Red Cross. One month later, and the Springville blood drive was fully booked.

Julie found that setting up the blood drive was an easy experience. Resources were simple to find and Red Cross staff were enthusiastic to help. Even more eager than usual, perhaps — nearly 10,000 blood drives have been canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak, representing 300,000 fewer donations collected.  In order to ensure blood products are available to all who need them, maintaining supply is crucial.

Safety and infection control are the highest priorities of the Red Cross at blood drives. Everyone’s temperatures are checked before the drive, social distancing guidelines are observed, hand sanitizer is readily available, and surfaces are regularly disinfected. With a blood transfusion needed every two seconds in the U.S, blood donations remain a constant necessity.

Root 39 Event Center in Springville, NY

Julie’s blood drive was already fully booked by the weekend before. In spite of the outbreak, Springville’s community came together, while still keeping their distance. They filtered into Root 39 — a refurbished barn that makes for a beautiful event space — to give back a little in honor of Lauren and Natalie.

And now, at two years old, the twins are growing fast. The future looks bright for Lauren and Natalie Wolniewicz, and Julie reckons they’ll start causing trouble soon enough.

You can help kids like Natalie and Lauren by donating blood. Make an appointment for your next donation with the Red Cross today.

-Tim Snedden
American Red Cross Communications Volunteer

Remembering "Snowvember", Five Years Later

A Lackawanna house buried in snow following
Snowvember 2014

What were you doing five years ago? If you were in Western New York in November 2014, particularly South Buffalo and the Southtowns, you'll never forget it. 

An unprecedented Lake Effect Snowstorm buried parts of WNY under as much as eight feet of snow. Travel bans and road closures left hundreds of motorists stranded, while thousands more were trapped in their homes. Many residents had to be evacuated over concerns their home might collapse under the weight of all that snow.

Thanks to the year-round support of our generous donors, the Red Cross was able to immediately provide hope, help, and comfort to the WNY community. Between November 18 and November 28, a workforce of 175 people - 80% of them volunteers - operated or supported 19 different shelters across the Region, providing a warm place to spend the night for 603 people. Working with community partners such as the Salvation Army, the Red Cross served 6,696 meals and snacks to families and individuals in need, with four Emergency Response Vehicles taking support directly to areas hardest hit by the storm. Specially trained volunteers provided 1,019 health and mental health contacts, and 3,939 relief items, including cleanup and personal comfort kits, were distributed to families affected by the winter storm.

Joy Lawrence was still smiling despite his big rig getting
stranded in the snow. He enjoyed his "little adventure"
staying at a Red Cross shelter in Elma, NY

“I’m really enjoying this. I call it my little adventure!” Truck driver Joy Lawrence, from Brampton, Ontario, Canada, was able to smile despite having been stranded and needing to be brought to the Red Cross shelter at Iroquois Middle School in Elma by two police officers. “Wow, Red Cross, you guys are awesome. Really helpful, really kind, really understanding. They're willing to help you in every way. Food, shelter, nursing. Sometimes it's hard for me to explain. I'm 100% satisfied with your services.”

NATIONAL NETWORK HELPS MAINTAIN A SAFE BLOOD SUPPLY 

The unprecedented snowfall forced 29 blood drives to be cancelled across WNY, resulting in 910 units going uncollected. When severe weather disrupts blood collections throughout the area, the Red Cross is able to provide blood from other blood regions to help local hospitals. Despite the conditions, volunteer drivers were able to deliver this vital resource to area hospitals so they could continue to meet patient needs.

“I was driving a Red Cross vehicle from the Blood Processing Center in West Henrietta to Mercy Hospital when Harlem Road when the National Guard said the road was impassible,” said volunteer driver Dona Bronkie. “After calling the hospital and my supervisor, we arranged to drop off the blood the Catholic Health building downtown and they were able to make sure it got to the hospital and patients in need.”

PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STORM

Nationally, the Red Cross responds to a disaster every eight minutes. To be ready to respond 24/7, the Red Cross maintains a variety of resources, equipment, and volunteers to provide help after disasters. Just as the Red Cross prepares for disasters, it’s also important for people to prepare by taking three simple steps:

The Red Cross operated or
supported 19 shelters, including
this one at the Depew Senior Center

1. Get a Kit: Emergency kits should include food, water, and other basic supplies to last three days for each family member.
2. Make a Plan: Plan what to in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and have to evacuate
3. Be Informed: Learn which emergency may occur where you live, work, and play, and how to respond as quickly as possible. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information

In partnership with New York State, the Red Cross is pleased to offer free Citizen Preparedness Corps training across the state. The training provides information about common types of natural and man-made disasters, and teaches effective ways to prepare for, respond to and recover from them as an individual, family and community. Click here to request volunteers to provide this training at your school, group, or other organization.

Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to get lifesaving preparedness information, real-time weather alerts, and more, in the palm of your hand. Search “American Red Cross” in the app store or go to www.redcross.org/apps.

DONATE BLOOD

NY-Penn Blood Services currently collects an estimated 750 units daily to support approximately 90 hospitals in New York and ten counties in Pennsylvania. The Red Cross strives to meet local hospital needs first, and then through our national inventory management system, we can move products throughout our area and across the country, where there is a need.

Currently the Red Cross has a critical need for all blood types and platelet donations. Schedule an appointment today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The scene outside Iroquois Middle School in Elma
as volunteers opened a shelter for those affected by
Snowvember 2014

DONATE TO DISASTER RELIEF

You can help people affected by disasters like winter storms and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

You can also donate your time and talent as a Red Cross volunteer. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to fill out an online application and start your own Red Cross story.

Give blood: Help patients in need this summer

During the Fourth of July week, fewer blood drives are held across the country and many blood donors are away enjoying vacations. This creates a difficult situation for the blood supply, and the American Red Cross is facing an emergency need for blood and platelet donors after a significant shortfall in blood donations during the Independence Day holiday week and ongoing challenges finding new blood donors.

Right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types available – and less than a two-day supply of type O blood. Blood donations are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. More donations are needed now to replenish the blood supply.

Eligible individuals are urged to give now to help avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients this summer.

Who needs blood

Blood from generous volunteer donors helps families like the Jolliffes. In February 2018, Meghan Jolliffe suffered an amniotic fluid embolism. During childbirth her heart stopped beating for 14 minutes, resulting in the need for an emergency cesarean section. Her organs began to shut down, and her blood would not clot. Meghan received nearly 100 units of blood within a seven-hour period during her procedures. The doctors were able to stop the bleeding and stabilize Meghan’s condition. Over the next several days, Meghan underwent five surgeries, dialysis and more to repair the damage to her body.

Meanwhile, after her son Sullivan was delivered, he went without oxygen for seven minutes. Doctors performed a process called therapeutic hypothermia, or whole-body cooling, to preserve his neurological function, and he also received several units of blood. In all, Meghan and Sullivan received 109 units of blood.

“My family and I are forever grateful for the generosity of Red Cross volunteer blood donors,” said Meghan. “Donating blood is so important. You or a loved one may never need these lifesaving products, but I can assure you that someone, somewhere will.”

Don’t wait – help now:

1.   Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  

2.   Let your friends and family know there is a #BloodEmergency and ask them to give now.

3.   Bring someone to donate with you.

Blood transfusion is the fourth most common inpatient hospital procedure in the U.S., and these blood products can only come from volunteer donors. Yet, only 3 out of 100 people in the U.S. give blood. It’s crucial that the Red Cross has a sufficient blood supply on hand to meet the needs of patients every day and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood products.

Please make an appointment to give now.