For the past four years, Theta Delta Chi has been saving lives pint by pint.
The Theta Delta Chi fraternity held their annual fall blood drive in the Allen Center on Monday.
This year’s blood drive had around 40 donors, which was similar to last year’s attendance. Although exact numbers for the amount of blood raised this year were not immediately available, the numbers are expected to either meet last year’s amount, or possibly exceed it.
Those who donated blood had to go through a rigorous question portion before they were actually allowed to give blood. These questions pertained to the potential donor’s blood pressure, sexual history, potential risks such as AIDS (HIV) and syphilis, current medications one might be taking, among others.
Phlebotomist (specialist in drawing blood) Jennifer Reynolds was one of the 20 staff members from the St. Joseph Hospital who helped with blood donations. She said that one pint of blood can help save up to three people’s lives.
“Even though one pint of blood can save a few people, sometimes it can vary depending on what the patient needs like plasma, certain blood types, or other components in the blood like white blood cells,” Reynolds said. “But this is important because one in seven people in a hospital need blood and statistically, someone needs blood every two seconds.”
All blood that was donated will be screened for a number of infectious diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS. All tests conducted on the blood before it is cleared for transfusions will remain strictly confidential.
Mr. Kyle O’Keefe ’08, who helped organize the blood drive, said he made all of the necessary calls to the Indiana Blood Center and made fliers to put up around campus to notify students of the worthy cause.
“It's really important to donate blood because there are a lot of people in the world that need our help,” O’Keefe said. “Plus, it doubles as a free AIDS test.”
Sophomore Theta Delta Chi brother Anthony Tellez ’10, said he donated blood not just because his fraternity is sponsoring it and he wanted to set a good example, but because donating blood hits close to home.
“I had an uncle who was in a really bad car accident and needed a lot of blood, so I guess that kind of made me want to do this,” Tellez said. “It’s for a great cause.”
Mr. Jeff Kessels ’10 had personal reasons why he wanted to donate his blood to save others. His younger brother, Jared, was diagnosed with lymphoma at the age 13. In lymphoma, some of the cells in the lymph system multiply uncontrollably and most likely become malignant (cancerous).
Lymphoma is distinguished by the type of cell that multiplies and how the cancer presents itself to the body. Jared underwent numerous blood and platelet transfusions during chemotherapy and Mr. Kessels said he has seen the direct impact giving blood can have on a person’s life.
“One of the primary reasons Jared is still alive is due to the generosity of others,” Kessels said. “I strongly encourage every eligible member of the Wabash community to take 30 minutes out of his or her day to give blood. The impact is tremendous. Giving blood can save a life. You never know when it might be you or a loved one in need.”
If you donated blood and have experienced or are experiencing any complications such as a bruise or any other odd symptoms, please contact the Indiana Blood Center at 317-926-2381.