RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Blood Services

  • Red Cross, Warner Bros. Discovery partnering to encourage blood donations around Shark Week & theatrical release of ‘MEG 2: THE TRENCH’

    By Red Cross Biomedical Communications

    Red Cross graphic: Dive in. Help save lives.

    The American Red Cross continues to see a concerning trend – blood donations are being sent to hospitals faster than they are coming in. The Red Cross has collected about 50,000 fewer blood donations than needed over the last two months. Donors are asked to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to avoid a looming blood shortage.

    To help head off a more serious situation, the Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. Discovery for the 35th anniversary of Shark Week and the theatrical release of Meg 2: The Trench. The public is encouraged to celebrate a summer of sharks and help shore up the national blood supply by giving in July.   

    In thanks for helping, the Red Cross is offering several incentives to donors who come out to give blood or platelets in the coming weeks. Additionally, in response to the great need for blood, those who hurry in to help by coming to give July 1-16 will receive a limited-time bonus $15 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice.

    • July 1-11: All who come to give will get an exclusive Red Cross dry bag, while supplies last. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts.
    • July 12-Aug 12: Those who come to give will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Shark.
    • July 17-31: Presenting donors will receive an officially licensed Shark Week T-shirt, while supplies last. Donors will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Shark.

    By scheduling and keeping appointments in July, donors can help provide for those in immediate need of lifesaving care. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

    How to donate blood

    To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

    Amplify your impact − volunteer!  

    Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.  

    Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, helping deliver blood from our collection sites throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey to our lab in Philadelphia for testing and processing and/or to deliver blood products from our lab to hospitals in the area using a Red Cross-owned vehicle. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.  

  • Holiday heroes needed now to donate blood and platelets

    By American Red Cross Biomedical Communications

    Red Cross graphic – Camp Do Good: Be a holiday hero.

    The American Red Cross wants everyone to enjoy a safe and fun Fourth of July, which includes ensuring a strong blood supply for patients in hospitals across the country. There has been a concerning shortfall in blood donations in recent weeks, and the upcoming holiday could put a further strain on donations, as millions celebrate with family vacations and other seasonal activities.

    Donors of all blood types, especially those with type B negative or O negative blood as well as platelet donors, are needed to make an appointment to give now to ensure blood remains available for patients this summer.

    To encourage blood donations, the Red Cross is offering the following to those who come to give in the coming weeks:

    • All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma through June 30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Those who come to give in June will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package. Details for both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/June.
    • All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma July 1-11 will receive an exclusive Red Cross dry bag, while supplies last. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/gifts.
    Red Cross graphic – Photo of Red Cross dry bag donor incentive: Keep items dry; pack first aid supplies; carry snacks; store wet clothes.

    By scheduling and keeping appointments right now, donors can help ensure patients relying on blood donations also get to enjoy their summer. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

  • Donors shatter 18th annual ‘I Bleed For Preston & Steve’ blood drive goal

    By Alana Mauger and Neel Govil

    This year’s limited-edition “I Bleed For Preston & Steve” T-shirt was Ted Lasso themed.
    Photo by Konrad Jones / American Red Cross

    Few American Red Cross blood drives can boast a cult following like 93.3 WMMR’s “I Bleed For Preston & Steve.” Familiar faces flock to the blood drive year after year hoping to grab a selfie with their favorite DJs and to lay claim to a coveted, limited-edition Preston & Steve T-shirt.

    Even more importantly, they roll up their sleeves in record numbers to be part of something special – a community that literally helps save lives while celebrating the power of rock n’ roll.

    Growing from a small storefront drive in the former Franklin Mills Mall in 2005 to multiple locations with live broadcasts, “I Bleed For Preston & Steve” has collected more than 19,000 units of blood and helped up to 53,000 patients since its inception.  

    The American Red Cross leadership team poses for a pic with the Preston & Steve Morning show team at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Photo by Elisabeth von Baldas / American Red Cross

    The drive’s 18th installment wrapped up on June 16, 2023, collecting 1,169 units of blood at Live! Casino in Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks.

    “For the first time ever, we decided to put a number out there as a bit of a challenge – as a goal to hit because things went down [during COVID] – and that was a thousand units,” said Preston Elliott, announcing the results on air on June 21. The 1,169 donations “far eclipsed what we were going for. That’s a lot, and 210 more units than last year.”

    “It’s freaking awesome,” agreed Steve Morrison, who noted that people came out to multiple locations in spite of horrible weather – including a tornado warning.  

    Pierre Robert and Preston Elliott chat with Steve Morrison while he donates blood at Live! Casino in Philadelphia. Photo by Konrad Jones / 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 – a record both hope to revisit in the coming years.

    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.

    Live broadcasts add to the excitement of the blood drive, and this year had a record of three! In addition to the Preston & Steve Morning Show, Pierre Robert broadcast his afternoon show from Live! Casino between 11 a.m.-3 p.m., then Brent Porche was live from Oaks between 3-7 p.m. Listener-favorite 7 p.m.-midnight DJ Jacky BamBam also spent the morning greeting blood donors at Live! Casino.

    Jacky BamBam with Red Cross volunteer Janice Winston.
    Photo by Konrad Jones / American Red Cross

    The broadcasts are a big draw for donors like Ted and Kristi, who have been fans of the Preston & Steve Morning Show since its debut in 1998. Both came out to give blood on June 16th at the Oaks location to watch the live broadcast in real-time before and after their donations.

    In addition to the broadcasts, Ted said he donates every year for the satisfaction in knowing he helped someone. He also likes seeing where his blood was used – a popular feature of the Red Cross Blood Donor app. Kristi also gives blood regularly in honor of her father, who received transfusions during his treatment for cancer.

    It’s not only familiar faces at “I Bleed For Preston & Steve;” the drive draws new blood donors, too! In fact, 123 people gave blood for the first time at the 2023 drive between the two locations.  Kassandra was one of those donors. Like Ted and Kristi, she was drawn in by the live broadcast, but she also understands how important blood donations are for patients and was happy to help.

    Brent Porche talks with donors at the Philly Expo Center in Oaks.
    Photo by Alana Mauger / American Red Cross.

    Blood donor Jem celebrated her birthday at the drive, where she gave blood in honor of her father, a donor himself, who recently passed away.

    “His last words were to help each individual and keep donating blood,” she shared. And so Jem will continue “bleeding” every year for her favorite radio station DJs, Preston & Steve.

    Check out our blood drive photos on Flickr!

    To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

  • World Sickle Cell Day underscores the need for diverse blood donors

    Editor’s Update: Joan Lambright sadly passed away on Aug. 10, 2023. Our hearts go out to Joan’s family and friends and to the many people she inspired.

    Red Cross graphic: World Sickle Cell Day

    By Alana Mauger

    Monday, June 19th is an important day for celebration and awareness. It marks Juneteenth, our newest federal holiday and a day of reflection and pride that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.

    It’s also World Sickle Day, established by the United Nations in 2008 and commemorated every June 19th to increase awareness about sickle cell disease – the most common genetic disorder in the U.S. An estimated 100,000 people in the U.S. are living with sickle cell disease, most of whom are of African and Latinx descent.

    Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to be hard and crescent-shaped – like a sickle – instead of soft and round, making it difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry oxygen adequately to the rest of the body. Patients can experience complications like severe pain, anemia, infections, stroke and organ damage.

    “Your blood cells are round and mine are sickle. When my blood sickles, it clumps together,” shared Joan Lambright, who, at age 84, is one of the oldest adults living with sickle cell disease in the U.S.

    The retired Philadelphia Public School teacher says the condition causes unbearable pain, which was misunderstood throughout her childhood.

    “I knew there were some days where I could run and jump like any other child, and some days I was in the bed at home, or sometimes in the hospital,” she said.

    Joan credits her parents’ strength, especially her father, with helping her not only cope with, but thrive in spite of sickle cell disease. When doctors projected that she wouldn’t live beyond her teenage years, her father encouraged her to focus on living fully.

    In addition to her father’s strength and optimism, blood transfusions sustained, and at times saved, her life.

    “I am here because of your blood donations,” she shared.

    Video: Sickle cell warrior Joan Lambright.

    Blood transfusions help relieve a patient’s sickle cell disease symptoms by increasing the number of healthy red blood cells in the body, helping to deliver oxygen throughout the body and unblocking blood vessels. But ensuring hospitals have an adequate supply of the major blood types – O, A, B and AB – is only part of the equation.

    There are more than 600 known antigens – substances on red blood cells that help determine your blood type – some of which are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups.  Patients who require regular blood transfusions, like those with sickle cell disease, need blood that is matched more closely to reduce possible complications. Therefore, a patient is more likely to find a compatible blood match from a donor of the same race or similar ethnic group.

    The Red Cross is committed to maintaining a diverse blood supply to ensure the right blood product is available at the right time. Every blood and platelet donor has an important role in meeting that need. To become a donor, schedule an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or download the free Blood Donor App.

  • World Blood Donor Day: Dave and Jillian Thomas are a match made in heaven

    By Jenny Farley

    Dave and Jillian Thomas enjoy food, travel, museums and their two dogs. Jillian said the hardest thing about her blood disorder is realizing she can’t make it better on her own. Blood donors have “restored her faith in humanity.” Submitted photo by April Cunningham

    Dave and Jillian Thomas met ten years ago on a dating app. This year they are celebrating five years of marriage.

    “On our first date, Dave cut up my dinner for me and I knew we’d be a match,” Jillian said.

    Jillian, a physician’s assistant who works in an emergency room, has no muscle in her hands. She has Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA).

    She explained her genetic condition as “a very rare blood disorder that means you don’t produce red blood cells. There are less than 1,000 people in the world who have it.”

    For Jillian, living with DBA means she gets tired easily. “When you don’t have red blood cells you can’t breathe. Going up the steps is difficult. Even turning over in bed is hard,” she said.

    As a last resort, treatment may mean a bone marrow transplant, but most patients are treated with steroids and blood transfusions. Jillian has had at least 20 transfusions but considers herself lucky that she hasn’t had more.

    “For people that are unable to be responsive to medication, it’s usually every three to four weeks,” she said.

    Jillian’s husband Dave said, “Fortunately, her case is a lot less severe than a lot of people who are transfusion dependent.”

    Dave started donating blood about seven years ago after going with his wife to receive her transfusion.

    “It’s really rewarding to be able to. I’m happy to give it. It’s great that people like my wife can benefit from something that fortunately I‘ve got a plentiful supply of.”

    Dave has donated at least 11 units of blood — some of them “power red” donations, where two units red blood cells get separated out and the plasma and platelets get returned back to him during the donation.

    “It’s a very simple way to do something that saves people’s lives. A simple way to have a massive impact for others. I don’t know why I didn’t do this all along. I don’t need it. Somebody else does,” he said.

    When he started giving, Dave and Jillian learned something that surprised them. He had A negative blood, just like Jillian.

    “I always tell people that we are a match made in heaven because A negative is one of the rarer blood types,” Jillian said. In fact, only 1 in 16 people have A negative blood.

    Donating blood led Dave to be more involved with the Red Cross, and he became a board member for the Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter. With a background in insurance, it was the perfect blend of his personal and professional lives.

    “The Red Cross is a massive organization that does a lot of good,” he said. He believes in the Red Cross mission.

    “Serving those who need it most in times of disaster and in times of need no matter what that is. It’s amazing, every time something bad happens the Red Cross is there,” Dave said.

    His service to the Red Cross makes his wife proud. “Dave’s the type that will stop the car to help the turtle cross the road, so I’m not surprised he got involved in such a philanthropic community,” she said.

    Dave has helped out at Sound the Alarm events where Red Cross workers go door to door installing free smoke detectors. He has also volunteered by making phone calls to thank people who have organized blood drives.

    “It’s amazing how many people are generous with their time and their money. One of the things that’s most impactful is the mobilization of good people,” he said.

    The Red Cross provides about 40% of America’s blood supply. Jillian said it takes about 2 ½ hours to receive a blood transfusion. During that time, she stares at the blood and thinks about who donated it and where it came from.

    She learned something from a DBA community group on Facebook that sticks with her. She read about a little girl who believes she inherits the personality of the blood donor during transfusions.

    “If she’s reading more, it’s because she got the blood of an author. If she’s dancing better, it’s because she got the blood of a dancer. So nice!”

    If you are thinking about giving blood but haven’t yet, think about something else Jillian said.

    “I have a shirt that says my life was saved by a blood donor. It’s because of people’s generosity, relying solely on the compassion of others, that my life has been saved.”

    Help the Red Cross celebrate World Blood Donor Day and meet the critical needs of patients. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a time to give now.

  • Don’t wait to donate: Blood and platelet donors needed over Memorial Day weekend

    By Biomedical Communications

    Red Cross graphic: Blood donors needed now.

    The American Red Cross asks people to book a time to give blood or platelets now to address a recent drop in donation appointments that could lead to fewer transfusions for patients in the weeks ahead. Type O blood donors are especially needed to ensure a strong blood supply.

    The start of summer can shake up normal routines, but it’s important for donation appointments to stay on the calendar – especially as Memorial Day weekend approaches. More than 42 million Americans are expected to travel over the holiday, meaning fewer donors may be available to give. 

    Appointments are critical this week for people waiting for lifesaving care. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a time to give now.

    In thanks for making and keeping appointments, the Red Cross will help donors prepare for beach days and backyard fun as the season begins:

    • All who come to give through May 31 will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last.*
    • Donors in May will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® in Seattle, including two tickets to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® thanks to the support of Fanatics, round-trip airfare, four-night hotel accommodations, a $750 gift card and more.*
    • Those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Plus, they’ll also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package including a projector and screen, projector tripod, smokeless firepit, Adirondack chair set and a movie night snack package.^
    All who come to give through May 31 will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last.*

    Amplify your impact − volunteer!  

    Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.  

    Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.  

    *Terms apply. See RedCrossBlood.org/Fanatics for details.
    ^Terms apply. See RedCrossBlood.org/June for details.

  • Take action: Type O negative blood donors needed for emergencies

    By Biomedical Field Communications

    Red Cross graphic: Type O. Short supply; high demand.

    When every second counts, blood products can provide lifesaving care. The American Red Cross asks the public to give blood or platelets during Trauma Awareness Month in May to keep hospitals prepared for all transfusion needs, including emergencies. Type O negative blood donors are especially needed right now.

    The power of type O blood

    • Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations.
    • Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.
    • Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and are often given to trauma and surgery patients. Type O blood donors are ideal Power Red donors, which means they can safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation. Now, more people are able to give a Power Red donation – the minimum height has changed to 5’3” for female donors.
    Red Cross graphic: A single car accident victim can use as many as 100 units of blood.

    Medical traumas can quickly deplete hospital blood banks. Once patients are stabilized and their blood type is determined, they will receive a matching blood type, so it’s important donors of all types give now and help save lives by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

    In thanks, all who come to give May 1-19 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Plus, May 1-31, those who come to give will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® in Seattle. The getaway includes two tickets to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® thanks to the support of Fanatics, round-trip airfare, four-night hotel accommodations, a $750 gift card and more. Additionally, those who come to give May 20-31 will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last.*

    *Terms apply for all offers. See rcblood.org/team for details.

    Red Cross graphic: Team Red Cross Needs You.

  • Medical Laboratory Professionals Week: Get to know our team!

    In commemoration of Medical Laboratory Professions Week (April 23-29), meet some of our lab professionals in the Penn Jersey Blood Services Region!

    Marvin Oniate

    Marvin Oniate, Manager, Red Cross Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (IRL)

    Marvin Oniate is the manager at the Red Cross Immunohematology Reference Laboratory (IRL) in Philadelphia. He ensures the lab is running efficiently and meeting hospital customer needs. His IRL team works to find specific blood matches for patients with rare transfusion needs, including those with sickle cell disease. He frequently works on challenging and diverse patient cases and antigen requests from hospitals and transfusion services.

    Marvin began working at the Red Cross as a technologist and has been promoted into other roles. “The Red Cross offered opportunities to me, and they care about helping their employees develop and grow,” he shared. “The upper-level management are approachable and supportive.”

    Marvin enjoys the variety of work and the people he gets to work with.

    “I do my best as a manager to understand our team, their individual situations and then find solutions that best fit their needs,” he said.

    Djeneba Toure

    Djeneba Toure, Laboratory Assistant, National Reference Laboratory for Specialized Testing (NRLST) in Philadelphia.

    Meet Djeneba Toure, a laboratory assistant at the National Reference Laboratory for Specialized Testing (NRLST) in Philadelphia. She is responsible for receiving and processing blood samples, managing inventory of testing substances and laboratory supplies and archiving records.

    Djeneba first heard about opportunities at the Red Cross when she was studying in Geneva, Switzerland in 2004. One of her teachers often spoke about the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies movement founder Henri Dunant, and Djeneba developed an appreciation for the mission of the Red Cross. She served in the Peace Corps in Africa from 2008 to 2020 developing volunteer partnerships with non-governmental organizations, like the Red Cross.

    After moving to the US in 2020, she began volunteering with the Red Cross which led to a full-time position as a laboratory assistant. Djeneba loves her work at the Red Cross.

    “Blood is so precious, it’s life,” she said. “I meet wonderful people working here and it is a pleasant working atmosphere. It’s not about what I personally do; it’s about what we all do together, and I am grateful to contribute to that.”

    Yen Tran

    Yen Tran, Molecular Technologist II, National Molecular Laboratory (NML) in Philadelphia.

    Yen Tran is a molecular technologist at the National Molecular Laboratory (NML) in Philadelphia. In her work, Yen performs molecular genotyping of red blood cell antigens to find compatible donor matches for patients.

    Prior to coming to the Red Cross, she held a number of laboratory roles where she studied genes affecting drought tolerance in tomatoes, detected markers to measure progression of multiple myeloma in patients, and worked as a DNA analyst, among other roles.

    Yen loves that her work combines her interests while helping patients.

    “What I like most about my job is the opportunity to be involved in patient care while pursuing my interest in molecular lab work,” she said.

    Career Opportunities

    The American Red Cross has a variety of career opportunities in Laboratory Services and Manufacturing. To learn more about available roles, visit the career center at redcross.org.

  • Red Cross lab professionals, blood donors play a key role in health of diverse populations   

    By Alana Mauger

    CDC graphic: This composite image is a fictional collage of a broad spectrum of laboratory settings. Find out more at www.cdc.gov/labsystems.

    To build awareness around April as Minority Health Month and to commemorate Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (April 23-29), we’re highlighting the role American Red Cross Blood Services plays in treating diseases that disproportionately affect racial and ethnically diverse populations.

    Conditions like sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia major and maternal and infant mortality remain higher among communities of color. With blood transfusions remaining one of the most critical treatments for patients, having a strong and diverse blood supply is critical to improving the health of these populations and helping to save lives.

    Red Cross Laboratories

    The American Red Cross employs more than 2,200 laboratory and manufacturing team members who work at 146 labs and product distribution facilities across the country. Together, they process, test and distribute approximately 6.4 million blood products each year.

    Philadelphia is home to two national Red Cross laboratories – The National Reference Laboratory for Specialized Testing (NRLST) and The National Molecular Laboratory (NML) – as well as one of five Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Testing Labs and one of 45 Immunohematology Reference Laboratories (IRL) in the U.S. All blood products collected in Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware are processed in Philadelphia’s Manufacturing Lab, which is one of 22 in the country.

    Over the past year, Communications volunteers Judith Weeks and Bill Thawley introduced readers to the work of our labs and the technicians who do this work. Revisit their blog posts below:

    Sickle Cell Initiative

    In the U.S., it is estimated that more than 100,000 people have sickle cell disease, which distorts soft and round red blood cells and turns them hard and crescent shaped. As a result, blood has difficulty flowing smoothly and carrying oxygen to the rest of the body, which may lead to severe pain, tissue and organ damage, anemia, and even strokes.

    Patients with sickle cell disease, the majority of whom are of African, Latin and Mediterranean descent, may need blood transfusions throughout their lifetime, with some requiring closely compatible blood to avoid complications. In the Penn Jersey Blood Services Region, blood from donors who self-identify as Black or African-American is marked with a blue tie tag, designating it as a potential match for a sickle cell patient. Extra tests are performed to ensure recipients receive the right blood. This program was the first of its kind in the U.S. and has helped educate and recruit blood donors from diverse communities since 1999.

    To learn more about sickle cell disease, check out the following links:

    Red Cross graphic: ALL Blood Types Needed.

    Donate Blood

    Having a diverse blood supply is one way to ensure all patients have ongoing access to compatible blood transfusions. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

  • National Volunteer Week: Ellen Silverberg-Brennan is committed to blood donation and so much more

    By Jenny Farley

    Ellen Silverberg-Brennan (center) received a Exceptional Biomedical Volunteer award in November. She’s pictured with Red Crossers (from left) Guy Triano, regional CEO; Larry Pockers and John Susanin, board chairs; and Jennifer Graham, executive director, Delaware Valley Chapter. Photo by Donn Greenberg/American Red Cross

    For most of us, finding one passion in life that excites us can provide a lifetime of reward. Ellen Silverberg-Brennan has several, including a long track record of giving blood, volunteering and doing intricate needlework.

    Ellen started volunteering for the Red Cross after witnessing the organization in action.

    “I had been with FEMA for many years and had seen the Red Cross working at disaster locations,” she said. She saw the Red Cross provide food, shelter and clothing to people who had lost everything.

    The Red Cross recently awarded Ellen an Exceptional Biomedical Volunteer award for her work as a blood donor ambassador and an onboarding and training specialist.

    “It made me feel great,” she said.

    Ellen had a background in training and had donated blood since college in the 70’s, so becoming an ambassador was a “natural transition.”

    Blood donor ambassadors help donors through the process of giving blood. Ellen speaks to volunteers who want to become ambassadors, describes what the job entails and then arranges a training session.

    At donation sites as a blood donor ambassador, Ellen registers donors when they first arrive. She then makes sure donors go to the refreshment area after they are done, and she keeps a watchful eye on how they are doing.

    “I tell them liquids are mandatory and snacks are optional,” she said.

    After years of experience volunteering, Ellen is still impressed by the accomplishments of the Red Cross.

    “The fact that the Red Cross provides 40% of the blood that’s donated in the U.S. That’s incredible!” Ellen said.

    When Ellen decided she wanted to do more to help, she started donating platelets. Patients fighting illnesses like cancer critically need platelets to help their blood clot.

    The process takes longer than a routine blood donation but to donors like Ellen, it’s worth it.

    “I started donating platelets because it made me feel special. There are very few platelet donors compared to whole blood donors. It made me feel like I had gone the extra mile.”

    Ellen has also volunteered at a Red Cross shelter. She said, “The shelter exposure makes you realize how fortunate you are that you have a house to go back to.”

    During her time spent at a shelter, she paid special attention to the pets, especially the cats.

    “I stopped at each enclosure, petted the cats and fed them some treats,” she said.

    Ellen’s love of cats is on display at the Philadelphia Zoo, where she has volunteered as a docent for the past 13 years. Admittedly, these cats are bigger. The zoo has lions, tigers, leopards and even a jaguar. She gets to stand near the cats (when they want to come near), separated by glass.

    “I really interact with the people. I love sharing what I know about the cats and answering people’s questions.”

    Ellen does needlepoint projects that often feature cats. She learned how to needlepoint as a child, continuing a long tradition from her mother and her mother’s mother.

    Her most complex piece involved 396 one-by-one-inch squares, “unique in color or pattern,” each with its own design.

    “It’s practically a life project,” she said.

    It takes a special kind of artist to meticulously piece together that many squares, and a special kind of person to give blood and volunteer.

    Just like every stitch matters in needlepoint, every drop of blood matters in a donation.

    Ellen said everyone should know the variety of services the Red Cross offers and that volunteers make up the majority of the workforce.

    She said she would tell people, “donate to the Red Cross because of the value of the work that’s being done.”

    If you would like to donate or volunteer, learn how at redcross.org.

    Editor’s Note: We’ll be profiling outstanding Red Cross volunteers throughout National Volunteer Week April 16-22. Be sure to check back daily!