Birthday blood drive collects 66 pints

Every two seconds in the U.S., someone needs blood. On March 28, a set of 17-year-old twins from Granton hosted their second annual blood drive with Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin to help combat the national blood crisis. Caleb and Abby Schoessow first hosted a blood drive last year in honor of their “Sweet 16” birthday and collected more than 50 units of blood. After the success of that drive, they decided to make it a tradition and try to top their donation total.

With efforts from Caleb and Abby Schoessow and their parents, this year 60 people came to donate blood. The twins had a goal of collecting 34 units of blood, which would impact over 100 people’s lives. Due to their recruitment efforts, 66 units of blood were collected and the twins surpassed their goal by 32 units. Thanks to the selfless act of the blood donors, 219 residents in central Wisconsin will be impacted. One reason the twins chose Versiti Blood Center to host their blood drive is it’s the sole the supplier to Marshfield Medical Center as well as over 50 hospitals in the area.

Caleb and Abby expressed their appreciation to everyone who helped save lives in their community.

“Our youngest donor was 16 years old and our oldest was 80 years old. This just proves that anyone can donate,” said Abby. “We are hoping that this one small act of kindness can become a habit.”

“My grandparents came all the way from Texas to donate blood. It was such a selfless act to drive 1,200 miles and donate for the very first time in their lives,” said Caleb.

Twenty-one people donated blood for the first time at the drive, including Katie Heiden of Granton.

“I can’t believe how nervous I was for nothing,” said Katie. “If it wasn’t for blood donors several years ago, I wouldn’t be here today. I am very glad I was able to overcome my fears and donate so that I can help save someone else’s life like they did mine.”

The next Versiti Blood Center community blood drive is scheduled for June 6 at Zion Lutheran Church in Granton from 12-4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are encouraged. You can schedule an appointment by visiting versiti.org, clicking the “Donate Blood” button and searching by zip code; or by calling 1-877-BE A HERO (232-4376).

Caleb and Abby Schoessow are shown with their grandfather, Ferris Watson, who was a first-time blood donor at 79 years old.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO