RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Biomedical Services

  • Red Cross Donor Services employee Rosanne Marks retires after 40 years of dedicated service

    By Nathan Fligelman

    Rosanne Marks. Submitted photo

    Not many people have made as impressive an impact during their careers as American Red Cross employee Rosanne Marks, who recently retired after enthusiastically helping to promote the “One Red Cross” motto and mission for nearly half a century.

    Working as a Donor Services representative, Rosanne has impacted up to an estimated 500,000 patients’ lives by helping to ensure blood is available when it’s needed across the country. She says her fondest memories from working with the Red Cross are derived from meeting patients and conversing with their families and friends.

    “I’ll never forget hearing a mother say that when her son received blood, she could see the life being breathed back into him,” she shared. “The stories didn’t always have a happy ending, but they always made a lasting impression and motivated me to recruit more blood donors and save more lives. I am most inspired by the families of patients who received blood.”

    Whether she was working with large pharmaceutical companies, local municipalities or community organizations, Rosanne’s objective was to make certain that blood drive sponsors, and individual blood donors, knew they were more than just a number. She speaks with great affection about her work with the Peter Powerhouse Foundation, led by a young man named Peter Zucca and his family, which sponsored over 100 blood drives and collected 10,000 blood donations over the past 7 years.

    “My philosophy is that there is no such word as ‘no.’ It is just a delayed ‘maybe,’” she said. “Remember that the number one reason that people don’t give blood is because nobody ever asked them.”

    As she looks back on her career, Rosanne prominently remembers the days that followed the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In response to the terrible situation, thousands of Red Cross supporters were eager to donate, volunteer and deliver aid to first responders. Rosanne’s work during this time wholly affirmed her desire to help nurture and heal people, as well as inspired her to continue serving the Red Cross to the best of her ability.

    Rosanne hopes to inspire current and future Red Crossers as they embark upon a career designed to both encourage and help others the way she was inspired by former Donor Recruitment Director Rosemary Leyland.

    “The American Red Cross is a ministry to me. It is my responsibility to provide my expertise and leadership to the new generation of account managers,” she shared.

    The American Red Cross is grateful for Rosanne’s service and wishes her well in the next stage of career.

  • Peter Powerhouse Foundation reaches a key milestone in helping children battle cancer

    By Alana Mauger

    The Red Cross recognized the Peter Powerhouse Foundation for collecting over 10,000 blood donations over the past 7 years. Pictured at a blood drive on July 13, 2022 is the Zucca family (from left) Dawn, Peter and Dennis. Photo by Sandi Yanisko/American Red Cross

    This summer, the Peter Powerhouse Foundation reached an extraordinary milestone – more than 100 American Red Cross blood drives hosted and over 10,000 blood donations collected. Driven by its mission to improve the lives of children fighting cancer, the Foundation started hosting blood drives in 2015.

    Peter Zucca and his parents Dawn and Dennis are uniquely qualified to operate a foundation that supports kids and families dealing with childhood cancer. Peter was only 10 months old when he was first diagnosed with cancer. After 8 months of surgeries and treatments, he was given a 24% chance of survival. Years of therapies and more than a dozen surgeries later, Peter’s right leg was amputated above the knee because of a Desmoid Tumor. He was 10 years old.  

    Peter channeled his fighting spirit and determination into helping address the costs of care, research and treatment needs of other children with cancer. He wanted to help kids like him. The Peter Powerhouse Foundation was born. Two years later the foundation started hosting blood drives – grateful that the 51 units of blood had been available for young Peter when he needed it.

    “Peter launched one of the most successful Red Cross blood drive campaigns across the country,” said Rosanne Marks, who recently retired after 40 years as a Red Cross Donor Services account manager. “And now, 7 years later, he marks the unbelievable milestone of sponsoring over 100 blood drives and collecting 10,000 blood donations, which helped up to 30,000 cancer patients, premature babies, accident victims and others with life-threatening illness or trauma.”

    In March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic essentially shut down blood collection for almost a week, Donor Services managers scrambled to find places willing to host blood drives. The Peter Powerhouse Foundation stepped up once again.

    “Just when most other sponsors were cancelling their blood drives, Peter and his mom Dawn volunteered to become an emergency blood drive site. They held blood drives every day for two weeks,” shared Rosanne. “Just in the year 2020, they hosted dozens of blood drives and collected 4,000 blood donations.” 

    The drives – held regularly at Towamencin Mennonite Church in Kulpsville – play a major role in supplying blood to patients in the Penn Jersey region. For his efforts, Peter has received numerous Red Cross scholarships through the Leaders Save Lives program and sits on the Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter Board of Directors, in addition to earning many community accolades.

    According to Rosanne, meeting Peter, Dawn and Dennis was a life-changing experience.

    “During my 40-year career with the Red Cross, the Zucca family has demonstrated the highest level of commitment, organization and positive influence in their blood drive program. They have impacted thousands of lives and have become the role model for all blood drive sponsors in the Penn-Jersey region and the national American Red Cross,” she said.  “They’ve served our community in a way that has set the standard of excellence. Peter is truly a superstar.”

    Today, that “superstar” is a 19-year-old sophomore studying divinity at Lipscomb University. During a July blood drive while Peter was home on summer break, the Red Cross presented the Peter Powerhouse Foundation with a plaque and cake to mark the tremendous milestone of 10,000 donations.

  • Red Cross welcomes Zeta Phi Beta to Philadelphia for sickle cell education and blood drive

    By La Valle Warren, American Red Cross Regional Sickle Cell Account Manager

    La Valle Warren (second from right) pictured with Red Cross collections staff at the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority blood drive on July 21, 2022 in Philadelphia. Submitted photo

    The American Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative was pleased to kick off its National Partnership with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in Philadelphia July 18- 24 for their Grand Boule’ 2022, which saw more than 6,000 members show up and show out beautifully in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.

    Zeta Phi Beta International President Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker and National Medical Director Dr. Raina Groover collaborated with Red Cross Biomedical Partnership Officer Wendy Tabron and me to welcome the Zeta’s to Philadelphia. The Red Cross hosted a sickle cell disease educational marketing table during the conference over 5 days and held a successful blood drive for its members. Both events took place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

    With the assistance of  seven-year Red Cross volunteer Eva Oakley from Raleigh N.C., I helped to educate over 8 regions about Sickle Cell Disease. It was exhausting, but I appreciated the great networking and was honored to partake in the Zeta partnership held in our local region.

    In Philadelphia and New Jersey, Red Cross blood donations from individuals who self-identify as Black or African American are labeled with a sickle cell blue tag to indicate they may be a match for sickle cell patients. Additional testing is performed these collected donations to match them as closely as possible with sickle cell patients who need a transfusion. When patients face a sickle cell crisis, blood transfusions can save their lives. Testing is also performed for the sickle cell trait on all donations from self-identified African American donors at every blood drive or blood donation center.

    The American Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative is continuing to partner with Black community-based organizations and community groups to help ensure that hospitals have a diverse blood supply. We’re educating and building awareness about the important role that Black blood donors play in helping people with sickle cell disease — the most common genetic blood disease that primarily affects families who are African American or of African descent. When I am out in communities advocating, it feels like a big family reunion, and it’s my duty to educate my community on sickle cell disease.

    September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and our Sickle Cell Initiative will focus on hosting blood drives with churches and faith-based organization for our “Community of Giving Blood Drive Series” throughout the month.

    Visit our website to learn more about sickle cell disease.

  • Red Cross and Dunkin’ team up to encourage blood donations this August

    By Dave Skutnik

    Jessica Weissman (left), field marketing manager, Dunkin’ Brands, presents an oversized voucher to Guy Triano, regional CEO, American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania on Aug. 2, 2022 in Philadelphia. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    Local blood donors are in for a treat this August. Dunkin’ of Greater Philadelphia is once again teaming up with the American Red Cross to provide 25,000 vouchers to American Red Cross blood donors in the region during August.

    To thank donors who help refuel the blood supply throughout August, presenting donors will receive a Dunkin’ voucher for a free Medium Hot or Iced Beverage* and a free Egg & Cheese Wake-Up Wrap Sandwich**, redeemable at participating Dunkin’ restaurants in the Greater Philadelphia area, while supplies last.

    Dunkin’ and the American Red Cross celebrated the partnership today with a special media event at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center. The Dunkin’ Community Cruiser was on-site, handing out free samples of Iced Coffee to celebrate the partnership kickoff.

    “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Dunkin’ and encourage donors to give to help prevent a summer blood shortage,” said Guy Triano, CEO, American Red Cross of Philadelphia. “As you finalize your plans for the end of summer, make a blood or platelet donation appointment part of them and receive this special gift from Dunkin’.”

    Donors who give now will help stock the shelves for the rest of the summer season. Schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

    “Dunkin’ is excited to once again team up with the American Red Cross and reward deserving blood donors this August,” said Jessica Weissman, Senior Field Marketing Manager, Dunkin’. “We hope that by offering donors a free Medium Hot or Iced Beverage and Egg & Cheese Wake-Up Wrap, Dunkin’ will help encourage the Philadelphia community to stop by a local blood drive or donation center and donate blood this summer.”

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    *Excludes Frozen Beverages. Offer not valid on Mobile App orders. Dairy alternative, espresso shots and cold foam may be an additional charge. Limit one per customer per visit. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred or sold and where prohibited or restricted by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1 cent. Terms apply. Good at participating Dunkin’ locations in Kent and New Castle Counties, DE; Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, and Salem Counties, NJ; Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Philadelphia Counties, PA. EXP: 9/12/22.

    ** Offer not valid on Mobile App orders. Limit one per customer per visit. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred or sold and where prohibited or restricted by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1 cent. Terms apply. Good at participating Dunkin’ locations in Kent and New Castle Counties, DE; Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, and Salem Counties, NJ; Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Philadelphia Counties, PA. EXP: 9/12/22.

  • Blood and platelet donors needed now to prevent a summer shortage

    By American Red Cross Biomedical Communications

    Just as most cars need to be refueled constantly, so does the nation’s blood supply. The American Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. Donors are needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage.

    The decline in donations has caused the Red Cross blood supply to shrink nearly 20% in recent weeks. The availability of blood products will continue to decline if donations do not increase. People should not wait until they hear there is a blood shortage to give. Type O negative blood donors and platelet donors are especially needed now.

    “This is a concerning trend that may soon make it tougher to keep blood products stocked on hospital shelves,” said Paul Sullivan, Red Cross senior vice president of donor services. “By choosing a time to give now, donors can help pump up the blood supply for those in immediate need of lifesaving care and those who rely on transfusions for treatment.”

    Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

    Fuel up on us

    As blood and platelet donations drop, gas prices have reached all-time highs in the U.S. As a thank-you, all who come to give Aug. 1-31 will be automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year, a $6,000 value. There will be three lucky winners. Everyone who comes to give blood or platelets in August will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.*

    *Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/fuel for details.

  • ‘Star Bros’ podcast has an outta-this-world approach to helping the Red Cross

    By Nathan Fligelman

    Two years ago, at the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, the hosts of the “Star Bros” podcast–Jan Kargulewicz and Ben Anderson–made the remarkable decision to join a team, named after the famous “Star Wars” franchise, on the Red Cross Blood Donor app.

    App-sponsored teams are designed to compete with one another in a friendly manner as members of each group log their latest blood donations. Cumulatively, the amount of blood donated per team is converted into a number of lives saved: a pivotal and heartwarming statistic designed to encourage the continued donation of blood.

    According to Jan and Ben, their “Star Wars” team, as a collective whole, has helped to save a whopping 900+ lives with each of the member’s logged blood donations. If you or anyone you know is capable of and willing to give blood, please encourage them to do so! Every donation is appreciated and not only has the chance to help save a life, as blood is always in need by hospitals and medical settings across the country, but also presents the new and fun opportunity to join a lifesaving team aligned with your favorite franchises and interests, too!

    A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of corresponding with Jan and Ben about how their podcast began, how they proceed with their work, what their future goals are, and more. Read below for the highlights!

    Graphic courtesy of “Star Bros” podcast.

    Q: How did the Podcast begin?
    A: We met about ten years ago and almost immediately realized that we’re both “Star Wars” fans. Not long after that, Disney bought the rights to “Star Wars” and all of these great new movies started coming out. We’d go see the movies on opening night and get lost in conversations afterwards. When the most recent movie came out, we found ourselves in a diner after seeing it. Deep in conversation, one of us just blurted out, ‘We should start a podcast!’ A few months later, the pandemic began and we used some of our newfound free time to begin recording our show. Since then, we’ve released over 50 episodes. A big part of the fun for us has been becoming a part of the Broaxium YouTube channel and family. Broaxium is a Philly-based “Star Wars” group that is well known for its spoiler-free review of comics. Our motto is “No Drama, No Hate, and No Clickbait.” It’s all about inclusive, positive conversation! We pinch ourselves because we were fans of Broaxium before we were invited to join up.

    Q: How do you two go about creating new content?
    A: We start planning episodes about two weeks before we record them. Once we’ve decided on a topic, which can take a bit of time, we go off and separately research it, write some notes, and come prepared to just have a conversation. Practically speaking, we take turns recording at one another’s homes. Once every other week, we grab our mics, a bundle of cables, and a laptop, and we meet up to record. We don’t have a studio, but Ben’s office where we record is chalked full of nerdy items, most of them “Star Wars” related.

    Q: What are your future goals, with both the podcast and your Red Cross team?
    A: We’d love to get more fans involved in the “Star Wars” team on the American Red Cross app. The fans in the group have impacted 900 lives at this point. Let’s keep going! As far as the podcast goes, we’re really only in this for one reason: to have fun “Star Wars” conversations and to connect with other fans. We are very focused on keeping the show clean and positive and inclusive. It doesn’t matter if you’re a new fan or were in the theater when the first [movie] came out, we hope you’ll find the vibe of the show inviting and relaxing.

    Q: Why did you choose to partner with the Red Cross?
    A: We’ve both been involved in blood drives in the past and we’ve both donated, of course. Ben helped set up a blood drive at his old church a few years ago and it’s still going strong. Jan became a regular donor a few years ago and is one donation away from the two gallon milestone! It’s a great way to give back to our community in more ways than just a fun conversation!

    Q: What are each of your favorite “Star Wars” movies?
    A: This is the hardest question for any “Star Wars” fan to answer. “Return of the Jedi” is always at the top of both our lists, but they’re all so great, you feel like you’re choosing your favorite kid!

    Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App to schedule a blood donation appointment, track your donations and/or join a team. And don’t forget to check out the “Star Bros” podcast!

  • Phoenixville VFW recognized for hosting blood drives

    By Alana Mauger

    Red Cross Business Development Manager Michael Gionta presents a plaque to VFW Pots 1564 Commander Don Mahoney on July 22, 2022 in Phoenixville. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    As a community, Phoenixville is home to several businesses, organizations and churches that host frequent blood drives with the American Red Cross. About four years ago, Mike Gionta, whose job is to identify and recruit new blood drive partners in Southeastern Pennsylvania, brought Ettinger-Powers-Campbell VFW Post No. 1564 into the fold.  

    Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Red Cross account managers scrambled to find organizations willing to open their doors, the members of Post 1564 stepped up, not only keeping their doors open for blood drives, but adding more to the calendar. In fact, in 2021, the post held 16 blood drives, collecting 450 units of blood and helping up to 1,350 patients.

    To Gionta, those numbers were impressive. Together, he and Post 1564 Commander Don Mahoney connected with the VFW Pennsylvania headquarters in Harrisburg and learned that the Phoenixville VFW did, indeed, collect the most units of all VFW blood drives in the Commonwealth.  

    “It’s a reflection of the giving spirit of Phoenixville and surrounding communities, and also a reflection of the importance of the Red Cross,” shared Mahoney.  

    On Friday, the Red Cross joined the Phoenixville Police Department and Mayor Peter Urscheler in honoring members of VFW Post 1564 for their community service.

    “All of these partners working together – you are what inspires Phoenixville to be a giving community,” said Urscheler. “Thank you for all that you do!”

    Photos from the ceremony are available on Flickr.

    The Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. Donors are needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org or download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App.

  • Got ink? Yes, you can donate blood!

    By Alana Mauger

    Patrick Laughton gives a thumbs up in the canteen area after donating blood.
    Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross.

    This National Tattoo Day, we’re busting the myth people with tattoos can’t donate blood. To help, we asked donors at last month’s “I Bleed For Preston & Steve” blood drive to show us their ink! The good news for them – and for hospitals and patients – is that having a tattoo (or nine) DOES NOT disqualify us from donating lifesaving blood to the American Red Cross.

    Chris McAden shows off his Preston & Steve tattoo after giving blood. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    In fact, in most states, there’s no wait time between getting ink and giving blood, as long as your tattoo is applied a state-regulated facility using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. However, in states that don’t regulate tattoo facilities, like Pennsylvania, you need to wait three months after getting ink before you can donate blood.

    But why the wait? While all blood donations are screened for Hepatitis B and C with several tests, there may be a period of time before the viruses can be properly detected. In addition to Pennsylvania, this applies to other unregulated states, including Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Utah and Wyoming, as well as the District of Columbia.

    People who get tattoos in prison, those who apply their own tattoos and individuals who get tattoos in states with regulations but from unregulated artists or facilities must also wait three months before donating blood.

    Jennifer Smith shared her guitar tattoo with us in the canteen area after donating.
    Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    While we’re on the topic of eligibility, you can also donate blood if you have ear or body piercings! There’s a three-month wait if your piercing was performed with a reusable gun or other reusable instrument or if you don’t know whether or not the instrument was single use. (Note: Ear-piercing guns used at many retail stores are considered reusable, even though the equipment is sterilized and single-use jewelry is inserted.)

    Arms – inked or not – are needed to help prevent a summer blood shortage, especially since only 3% of age-eligible blood donors give at least once per year. You can help by scheduling an appointment to give blood or platelets. Download the free Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to get started.   

  • ‘I Bleed For Preston & Steve’ kicks off summer blood donation season

    By Alana Mauger

    Red Cross Southeastern PA Interim CEO Jennifer Graham and Regional Donor Services Executive Helen Munizza with 93.3 WMMR’s Preston & Steve Morning Show. Photo by Elisabeth von Baldas/American Red Cross

    Nearly 18,000 units of blood and up to 50,000 patients helped – that’s the legacy, so far, of “I Bleed for Preston & Steve,” the largest annual American Red Cross blood drive in Southeastern Pennsylvania and among the biggest in the country.

    Preston Elliott and Steve Morisson donated blood at Live! Casino. Photo by Dave Skutnik/American Red Cross

    Growing from a small storefront drive in the former Franklin Mills Mall 17 years ago to a multi-location drive with live broadcasts, “I Bleed For Preston & Steve” helps kick off summer for patients in need of lifesaving blood and for fans of 93.3 WMMR and the Preston & Steve Morning Show.

    The 2022 drive, held at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Montgomery County, collected 959 units of lifesaving blood over 12 hours on June 24.

    “The Red Cross goal was 800 units, and we collected 959. I’d say that’s a tremendous success,” said Preston Elliott, announcing the results of the drive on-air on June 28. “That’s 181 more units than last year, way past what was expected.”

    While live broadcasts have been part of past drives, this was the first time the morning show itself broadcasted live from the Oaks blood drive location between 6-11 a.m. That show was followed by a live broadcast with Pierre Robert. Station DJs Brent Porche, Jacky Bam Bam and Sara hung out with donors at the Philadelphia location and called in to offer live updates.

    Nick McIlwain donates blood while live on the air. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    “It was really fun having us do the live broadcast from there,” said Nick McIlwain from the morning show, who donated blood while he was on-air. “People were being patient and having a good time.” Nick also stuck around to hang out with donors afterward. “It was a really good vibe having Pierre doing his show live from Oaks,” he added.

    Steve Morrison, of the Preston & Steve duo, added that the “Friday vibe” also worked in their favor, as the drive didn’t cut into people’s weekend plans.

    After finishing their show at Oaks, Steve and Preston headed to Live! Casino, where they donated blood. They’re both regular blood donors, not only at their drive, but throughout the year in the community.

    Steve and crew are already scheming for their 18th annual drive. “I’m thinking with COVID protocols released, there’s no reason we can’t blow this out of the water next year,” he said.

    Donors show off this year’s limited-edition Preston & Steve T-shirt. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    In 2019, prior to the pandemic, “I Bleed For Preston & Steve” collected more than 1,400 units of blood, setting a personal record and making it the largest single-day blood drive in the country that year.

    “We always want to break the record,” said Preston. “I’m hoping that next year, we can take it to the next level and get over 1,100.”

    Donors return year after year, in part, to the get a limited-edition Preston & Steve T-shirt. Many wear their shirts from years past as proof of their fandom and dedication to helping save lives. This year, donors also got a free tote bag, courtesy of Window Nation, and Everfresh provided complimentary juices in the blood drive canteen area. Recovery Centers of America sponsored the overall blood drive.

    Check out event photos in our Flickr album and on WMMR’s website.

  • Dive into ‘Shark Week’ and help prevent a blood shortage

    By American Red Cross Biomedical Communications

    The American Red Cross and Discovery are partnering for Shark Week and invite people to dive in to help save lives by giving blood or platelets in July. The Red Cross saw a steep drop in blood and platelet donations last month, and donors are asked to make appointments now to prevent a blood shortage this summer.

    In June, the Red Cross collected approximately 12% fewer blood donations than needed – one of the largest monthly blood donation shortfalls in recent years. When less people answer the call to donate, the blood supply shrinks – and that could mean blood products aren’t ready for hospital staff to reach for in emergencies.

    Thanks to Discovery, all who come to give blood or platelets in July will automatically be entered for a chance to win an exclusive Shark Week merchandise package that includes:

    Those who come to give July 21-24 will get an exclusive Shark Week T-shirt from Discovery, while supplies last. Details are available at rcblood.org/sharkweek.

    By making and keeping blood and platelet donation appointments in July, donors can connect with patients through a lifesaving gift. To book a time to give, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).