On Monday, Feb. 28, KO’s Future Health Professionals Club (HOSA) held a blood drive in Soby Gym, where volunteers from the KO community gathered to donate 41 pints of blood for the American Red Cross. HOSA Club Leader senior Gab Abramson prioritized this event due to the current blood shortage.
The Red Cross came to KO, and all students 17 and older as well as faculty and staff were invited to donate. Additionally, with a parent’s permission, students who were 16 were also allowed to donate. While KO was in charge of recruiting donors and volunteers, the Red Cross organized everything else, from the setup to the cleanup.
Dean of Students Krista Sahrbeck gave blood because, with a simple donation, she knows that she can help so many others. Senior Serafina Squatrito agreed that she did this knowing how big of an impact it would have on not only the recipients but also on their families. “Although the experience was not the most pleasant, and the symptoms afterward affected how I felt physically and my day, I knew that I was doing the right thing in helping others that are in need, especially during a blood shortage,” Serafina said.
Upper School Counselor Felicia Velez donated blood, knowing how positively it could impact people. “My contribution can make a difference to a life being saved, and I think it’s important to do what I can to help,” Ms. Velez said.
Junior Hailey Williams personally knows people that have received blood transfusions and wanted to donate blood for the good of other people. Knowing her blood type could be a universal donor, it encouraged her even more to want to help others.
HOSA club advisor and biology teacher Kata Baker donated blood and, in talking with colleagues, students, family, and friends about the blood drive, was amazed by how many of them shared personal stories about how a blood transfusion has helped them or someone they are close to.
“Especially in this time of blood shortage and during a pandemic, it felt particularly important to make a donation,” Mrs. Baker said. “I know donating isn’t possible for everyone, but I’ve been lucky in that it is generally easy for me and therefore an easy way to help,” she said. “I’m super proud of KO’s contribution and impact at the blood drive.”
This was a truly successful event made possible by people like Mrs. Baker and Gab. Especially now, with the present-day blood shortage, donations are so important, and we are so thankful to the members of the KO community who donated blood and helped to volunteer at this event!
