Ramblers Donate Blood

Alex Lymperis, Writer

On January 23th, Loyola held its annual blood drive in the West Gym for students to donate their blood.  

It is offered through the Red Cross, one of the biggest services that conducts blood drives. But not every student wants to donate their blood; it is for a specific type of people. Many people in fact have a fear of needles and therefore won’t get their blood drawn. But those who do know and are ok with doing it know it is for a purpose and are happy to donate their blood.   

Many students here at Loyola know the effects of the blood drive and how this simple task can all of a sudden change someone’s life.  Senior Angelina Simon said “I had extra time on my hands and my cousin’s life would not be here after a blood transplant.” So for some, this worldwide organization can be very personal and affect those in their everyday lives.  

Another senior, John Spagnolo said “Because it was a good thing to do.  I saw there was a low amount of blood donations.” Seeing this prompted John to take action to help those in need of blood.  He knew that doing this would help save lives and once he saw the opportunity he took it.  

He also thought about his grandma, who needed a blood transfusion. “When my grandma had leukemia, she needed blood.  To me, this was a very appropriate way to give back.” For many, they know how important this is, but some do not know whose lives they will affect. 

People will get involved in this no matter the age. When asked about how involved he is in the blood drive, Mr. Spellman, a retired math teacher who still volunteers at Loyola, said “I am involved in this because when I retired I try to help out here at Loyola. I help out with people being comfortable to sit down.”  There are a lot of people who are deeply involved in this and it means a lot to them.  

For some people, it may be just as simple as trying a new thing.  For others it could be as deep as a close relative’s life being saved. Everyone has their reasons, but the one thing that remains constant is that they are saving lives.  

One thing many people do not know is where their blood goes when they donate their blood.  The whole process goes beyond just the blood being drawn. When it is drawn, they put your blood on ice to keep it fresh.  

It is then transported to a processing center, where they scan it into a computer database.  They are then separated into components, which are packed as a unit ready to be used.  

Then they go in for testing to test for disease and blood type.  After the test results come in, they are put into storage where they are labeled and distributed to hospitals. 

And finally, the reason people donate blood, to save someone’s life. The blood is transfused with the patient who needs it depending on their illness. 

This blood drive goes a long way, and the outcome is usually a life that is saved.