Granton twins seeking donors for 3rd annual Birthday Blood Drive

Central Wisconsin, and the nation as a whole, continues to face a shortage of blood, and two Granton teens want to do something about it. To help combat this life-threatening issue, Caleb and Abby Schoessow are holding their third annual Birthday Blood Drive on March 27 from 12:305:30 p.m. at the Granton Area School District because, in their words, “there is no better birthday gift than saving someone’s life.”

The twins have a goal of collecting 80 units of blood, which would impact over 240 people’s lives. Caleb and Abby are partnering with the Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin. They are the sole supplier to the Marshfield Medical Center as well as over 50 hospitals in Wisconsin. Caleb and Abby would also like you to know a few fun facts about blood donation. Did you know?

— If you have been deferred from donating blood in the past, you still may be able to start donating blood again.

— Anyone who is over 16 years of age, weighs at least 110 pounds and is in good health can donate. Caleb and Abby are giving out presents to the oldest and youngest blood donors as a special thank you.

— All types of blood are needed, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations, to help reverse the national blood crisis.

The personal impact of blood shortages Caleb and Abby, seniors in the Granton Area School District, have personal reasons for wanting to hold a blood drive. Several years ago, Caleb and Abby’s mother had breast cancer. She went through years of treatment and needed a blood transfusion a few years ago.

“My family has always been a big proponent of giving back to the community,” said Caleb. “During the last twoyears, we have collected over 120 units of blood and that means 360 individuals have been impacted by our efforts. I personally saw the impact a blood transfusion made on my mother’s life and it helped bring her back home to us. I don’t want other kids to go without a parent because they couldn’t get the blood they need to live and thrive.”

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Abby was interested in hosting the blood drive because she was born with a rare disease and required several surgeries during her toddler years.

“My parents sometimes talk about my surgeries and how extensive they were. I sometimes think of children and adults who desperately need blood and I want to do everything I can to save someone’s life,” said Abby.

Abby also wants to go into the medical field after graduation and knows about the importance of having an adequate blood supply for patients in need.

“There is nothing greater you can give someone than the gift of life. To have people donating lifesaving blood is humanitarian and essential,” she said.

Special thank you to those who come to give Caleb, Abby and their parents will all be donating blood to help meet their goal of 60 units of blood. Afterwards, Caleb and Abby will help the day of the blood drive by passing out drinks and cookies. Nathan, the twins’ 12 year old brother, also plans to make brownies to give to the donors.

Things to bring to your blood donation A blood donor card or driver’s license are required at check-in. If you don’t have a picture ID, please bring two documents with your name and address.

Register for a time to donate Walk-ins are welcome and appointments are encouraged. To register for Caleb and Abby’s Birthday Blood Drive, call 877-232-4376 or go to bit.ly/ grantongives. If you can’t find a time slot that meets your needs, reach out to Courtney Schoessow at 715-937-0856.

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