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Category: Media

More than a blood drive: ‘I Bleed for Preston & Steve’ delivers heart, hype and hope
American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional CEO Jennifer Graham and Red Cross Regional Donor Services Executive Helen Munizza grab a photo with the Preston & Steve Morning Show crew after their broadcast on June 19th from the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Pictured (from left) are Ryan Shuttleworth, Casey Fosbenner, Helen Munizza, Steve Morrison, Jennifer Graham, Preston Elliot and Marissa Magnatta. Photo by Donn Greenberg / American Red Cross

By Jenny Farley and Alana Mauger

Missy Hinspeter doesn’t like needles. But on June 19th, the sixth-grade science teacher rolled up her sleeve anyway. Her A negative blood type is rare, found in only about 1 in 16 people.

“It’s good that I can give,” she said. It was her third time donating at the “I Bleed for Preston & Steve” Blood Drive, and as a big fan of the show, she was happy to see them again in person – even if the needle stick made her nervous.

Across the room, fellow Preston & Steve fan Bill Paoletti had a different reason for being there. After losing a leg in a motorcycle accident 8 years ago, he said that wearing a helmet and days of blood transfusions helped save his life.

Nearby, Erin Crew donated blood on her schedule of every 56 days. She’s been giving blood for years, starting after her father survived leukemia, relying on transfusions along the way.

“I was his life donor, so he’s gone through a lot of blood,” she said. “We figure as long as I’m able to keep donating, I’ll give as much as I can, because we know firsthand how important it is.”

Left: Missy Hinspeter donated blood even though she “hates needles.” She tries to donate at least once a year. Center: Bill Paoletti lost a leg in a motorcycle accident. Blood transfusions helped save his life. He said, “Knowing people care enough to donate got me to where I am today.” Right: Longtime blood donor Erin Crew was asked what she’d tell someone thinking of donating blood that hasn’t done it yet. She said, “It’s so easy. It’s fast and you get snacks.” Photos by Jenny Farley / American Red Cross

Stories like these filled the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks as more than a thousand blood donors, volunteers and fans came together for the 21st annual 93.3 WMMR “I Bleed for Preston & Steve” Blood Drive — held in one location for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

By the end of the day, the American Red Cross collected 1,048 units of blood, retaining its distinction as one of the largest, single-day blood drives in the country.

“People were heeding the call,” Steve Morrison said during the show’s June 23rd broadcast as he and co-host Preston Elliott announced the totals.

Preston reflected on the sheer number of donations. “A lot of blood drives, you’ll hear tens, maybe a hundred, couple hundred, but very rarely do you get in the 1,000 mark,” he said. “You just knocked it out of the park. You saved a lot of lives.”

Giving Back and Raising Awareness

This year’s blood drive took place on Juneteenth, a federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It also coincides with World Sickle Cell Day, adding a deeper layer of meaning and opportunity for education.

“Juneteenth is a holiday we are proud to be a part of and recognize, as well as World Sickle Cell Day. We’re making sure we’ve got a space for our blood donors to come in to be able to donate, help our diverse communities and have a little fun while they’re at it,” said Jennifer Graham, CEO, Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region.

She described the long-running event as “an amazing legacy” that serves as the Red Cross “unofficial official kickoff to summer.”

Jennifer Graham, CEO, American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region, talks on-air with the Preston & Steve Morning Show on June 19th. Photo by Alana Mauger / American Red Cross

The day provided a bit of education in addition to the opportunity to have fun and give back. Throughout the drive, 93.3 WMMR DJs shared information about sickle cell disease and encouraged their listeners to step up to help ensure the Red Cross maintains a diverse blood supply.

Preston recalled a character from season one of the TV show “The Pitt” who was admitted to the hospital during a sickle cell crisis.

“She was in excruciating pain and came very, very close to dying until they diagnosed it and got her a transfusion,” he shared during the broadcast.

Because they may receive frequent transfusions, people living with sickle cell disease may develop an immune response to blood that is not closely matched to their own. A patient in need is more likely to find a compatible blood match from a donor of the same race or a similar ethnicity, which is why the Red Cross is committed to maintaining a diverse blood supply at all times.

Blood Collections Supervisor Ashley Barrett helps host Preston Elliot locate his veins while producer Casey Boy holds the mic during the live broadcast of the Preston & Steve Morning Show on June 19th. Photo by Alana Mauger / American Red Cross

Collections supervisor Ashley Barrett talked listeners through the blood donation process and helped Preston identify which of his veins would work best for drawing blood. The Morning Show also tackled how seasonal challenges and a packed calendar of major events compete for people’s time.

“We are certainly in a spot where the number of people scheduling donations has dropped by about 20%,” Graham said during her live radio interview.

Preston issued a call to action for everyone listening, “If you can’t make this blood drive, go to RedCrossBlood.org to find out where you can find one in your general area. But donate this summer, for sure, and every 56 days.”

Powering a Life-Saving Effort

A blood drive of this magnitude wouldn’t be possible without dedicated Red Cross volunteers and staff.

Maureen O’Connell spent the first official day of her retirement volunteering as a Red Cross blood donor ambassador. She just retired after 41 years as a nurse, and you could tell she was still thinking of her patients.

“I worked in the hematology/oncology unit, so often I would just hang units and units of blood and platelets, and I always said I want to give back some day,” she shared.

Maureen O’Connell is a newly retired nurse who volunteered for the Red Cross as a blood donor ambassador at the drive. She said, “I just love the donors. They’re so joyful!” Photo by Jenny Farley/American Red Cross.

Preston and Steve praised the dedication of Red Cross staff who showed up and put in long hours to make the day a success.

“Everybody is in such a great mood,” Preston observed. “Every time we do this, they love it.”

Steve gave a special shout-out to the Red Cross collections team. He said they “just really take great care of you, and the end result is, you know, again, you’re seeing a lot of smiling people.”

Preston and Steve, who both donated blood at the event along with producer Ryan Shuttleworth, are already gearing up for next year’s drive.

“So the question is, we’re back up into stellar numbers – should we make a real concerted effort next year to break that record?” Steve asked, referring to the 2019 drive, which collected more than 1,400 donations.

“For real, I think we could do it,” Preston responded. “After this many years of doing it, I thought maybe you’d see things wane a little bit; not even close.”

Preston Elliott (top) and Steve Morrison (bottom) donate blood at the 21st annual “I Bleed for Preston & Steve” Blood Drive. Photos by Donn Greenberg / American Red Cross

Celebrating a Movement

In front of an audience of excited blood donors and their friends and families, 93.3 WMMR hosts broadcast their shows live from Oaks for a full 12-hours. That included the drive’s namesake Preston & Steve Morning Show, followed by Jacky Bam Bam in for Matt Cord in the afternoon and Brent Porche who was on the air until the last blood donation appointment at 7 p.m.

Throughout the day, radio hosts, blood donors and Red Crossers celebrated the life and legacy of beloved 93.3 WMMR DJ Pierre Robert, who died on Oct. 29, 2025. Pierre broadcast his afternoon show live from the blood drive every year for the past decade. Pictured left: A blood donor presents radio host Jacky Bam Bam with a portrait of Pierre. Photo by Donn Greenberg / American Red Cross
Pictured right: Radio host Brent Porche hangs out with Pierre’s nephew Brett Robert during his live broadcast between 3-7 p.m. Both are wearing Pierre-themed T-shirts. Brett read a proclamation for Pierre earlier in the day during Jacky’s show. Photo by Alana Mauger / American Red Cross

The hosts and producers mingled with fans, launched boomerangs and even broke into an impromptu roller-skating party at one point. They patiently signed autographs and posed for hundreds of photos with thrilled blood donors who walked away with a limited-edition Preston & Steve T-shirt, along with other goodies.

With music blaring and crowds moving through the space, the event felt like part celebration, part mission-driven movement. It’s rooted in the megafans – like Tom VanDuyne and Craig Powell – who return year after year and in the 89 new donors who gave blood for the first time.

“It feels good that I’m able to do this and that Preston and Steve and the Red Cross have been doing this now for 21 years and it has kept going,” Powell said. “I hope that it continues on for many more years.”

Morning Show super-fans Tom VanDuyne (left) and Craig Powell (right) have come out to donate blood at all 21 “I Bleed for Preston & Steve” Blood Drives! Tom said donating is a “piece of cake.” Photos by Jenny Farley / American Red Cross

CEO Jennifer Graham summarized the event best.

“You come for the party. You come for the experience. You come for the people. You leave helping save lives, and there’s nothing more impactful than that.”

Paying it Foreward

As seasonal challenges grow, the Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors to give now to help ensure hospitals stay ready to help patients without delay. Book a time to donate blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Above: American Red Cross photos from the 21st annual “I Bleed for Preston & Steve Blood Drive on June 19th at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Photos taken by Donn Greenberg, Jenny Farley, Kai Kwong and Alana Mauger. Check out our Flickr album for more!
June 24, 2026
Hundreds donate during expanded 6abc Philly Red Cross Month Blood Drive

By Jenny Farley and Alana Mauger

In its sixth year, 6abc Philly continued its tradition of sponsoring a Red Cross Month Blood Drive on the last Wednesday in March. This year’s drive—held on March 25, which was also Red Cross Giving Day—expanded to five locations in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey and collected 517 units of blood.

Watch 6abc coverage of the blood drive below.

VIDEO: Hundreds turn out for 6th annual 6abc Philly Red Cross Month Blood Drive. Watch it on You-Tube

According to Jennifer Graham, CEO, Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region, the drive comes at a critical time of year.

“Severe winter weather across the country has caused thousands of blood donations to go uncollected over the past several months,” she said. “At the same time, we’re preparing for summer when donations decrease because of school breaks and vacations.”

Graham says that donors of all blood types are needed now to help ensure patient care is not disrupted and the blood supply is stable heading into spring.

Since 2021, the 6abc Philly Blood Drive has collected 1,614 donations.

Janelle Cheeseborough donated blood for the first time after seeing the need in a news story on 6abc. She said her first experience donating “was great.” Photo by: Jenny Farley/American Red Cross.

Some donors, like Janelle Cheeseborough, came out to give for the first time. 6abc aired several news stories about the importance of donating blood in the days leading up to the drive that caught her attention.

“I saw it pop up on Channel 6 and I thought, you know I’ve never done it before. So, I thought, ‘why not?’”

Janelle wasn’t nervous because she said, “I felt welcome as soon as I came in. Like I’ve already been here before. I felt welcome.” She plans to donate again and is going to bring her sister to donate too.

One of those recipient stories on 6abc featured Red Cross communications volunteer Jenny Farley, who received 5 blood transfusions following surgical complications in November.

She has written dozens of stories about people who have needed blood, never imagining she would be one of them.

“It changes everything because I think until your own life is at stake, you can’t really get it,” she told 6abc anchor Gray Hall during the interview, which you can watch below.

VIDEO: Red Cross volunteer saved by blood donors shares her own story. Watch it on You-Tube

Some people that came out to donate on Wednesday were seasoned blood donors.

Deborah Johnson-Jennings is 70 years old and has been donating blood for 45 years! She started giving when she worked for a school district and now tries to donate at least once a year. So, what did it mean to her to donate at the 6abc drive?

“It means a lot because I know it’s well needed. It’s just one way you can give back,” she said.

Deborah Johnson-Jennings is 70 years old and started donating at age 25. She donated blood at the American Red Cross 6abc blood drive on March 25. Photo by: Jenny Farley/American Red Cross.

Jennifer and Kevin Lewis both celebrate March birthdays. They came to the drive together to donate blood as a birthday gift to themselves and others.

Jennifer is a Philadelphia police officer who has donated for more than 25 years.

“I used to donate almost every 56 days if I could. So, I just kept up the tradition and now I try to do it at least two, three times a year,” she said.

Kevin worked at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for 27 years as a respiratory therapist and sleep technologist. It was his first time donating blood at the 6abc drive. He was especially moved to learn that because he is African American his blood may be used for sickle cell patients.

“I have family members that have sickle cell. So, just to hear that, I got choked up. In addition to getting choked up, it was like, ‘Wow, I need to do this more often,’” he said.

Jennifer & Kevin Lewis celebrated their March birthdays early at the 6abc blood drive. Kevin encouraged others to donate. He said, “Do it for the children who have sickle cell. African American men, African American women — come on out and definitely give blood, because giving blood does save lives.” Photo by Jenny Farley / American Red Cross

Volunteers who serve as blood donor ambassadors help blood drives run smoothly by caring for the donors who come out to give.

Welcoming donors is blood donor ambassador D’LaVale Anderson-Reeves’ specialty. She is a breast cancer survivor who has volunteered for the Red Cross for more than 20 years and works as part of the community outreach team too.

Her favorite part is “meeting a lot of people.” She also enjoys recruiting new Red Cross volunteers and making donors feel better if it turns out they aren’t able to donate for health reasons.

“Some people get upset because they’re not able to give, so you’re trying to make them feel better and that makes me feel good. What I always say is, ‘well, you can’t give blood – you can always come and reschedule another time – but you know we can use some volunteers when you come and join us.’”

Left: Red Cross volunteer D’LaVale Anderson-Reeves will celebrate her 70th birthday and 18 years as a breast cancer survivor this October. She worked as a blood donor ambassador at the 6abc blood drive where she tried to recruit donors. She said, “I try to talk them into volunteering for the Red Cross.” Right: Blood donor ambassador Susan Brereton is a new Red Cross volunteer who worked at the 6abc blood drive. She said, “I was looking for volunteer work because I’m retired and I wanted something that was very connected to the community–which the Red Cross is.” Photos by Jenny Farley/American Red Cross.

Susan Brereton is a new Red Cross volunteer who has been doing it for about a month. The 6abc blood drive was her second shift as a blood donor ambassador.

“I’m still learning the ropes but this is a really exciting event here because so many people are coming.” She said, “So far, so good. Everybody’s lovely.”

In addition to the location in Philadelphia at the Courtyard by Marriott City Avenue, 6abc drives were held at the Spring Valley YMCA in Royersford and Sellersville Fire Department in Southeastern Pennsylvania. In South Jersey, locations included the Collingswood Grand Ballroom and the Forum Wedding and Catering Hall in Blackwood.

April 2, 2026
Red Cross partnership with 6abc flourishes at 5th annual blood drive

By Alana Mauger

6abc meteorologist Adam Joseph is pictured with phlebotomist Shannon Cobo after giving blood at the drive’s Wynnefield Heights location on March 26, 2025. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

The American Red Cross and 6abc held their fifth and largest annual Red Cross Month blood drive on March 26, collecting 363 units of blood – 125 over last year’s total – to help patients in the Delaware Valley and beyond.

This year saw the addition of a new location – Delaware Valley University in Doylestown – to the previous drive sites at Courtyard by Marriott in the Wynnefield Heightssection of Philadelphia and the Collingswood Grand Ballroom in Collingswood, New Jersey.

“Every two seconds, someone needs blood. The need is constant, and it’s the blood on the shelves today that helps us in emergencies that may happen tomorrow,” said Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Jennifer Graham, who was on hand to thank donors at the drive’s Philadelphia location.

Watch 6abc reporter Maggie Kent’s coverage from the 6abc blood drives on March 26, 2025.

President and General Manager Bernie Prezenika was among the many 6abc employees who made time to donate.

“Excited that our viewers respond,” he shared before donating. “People of the Delaware Valley always turn out for their neighbors.”

Since 2021, the annual drive has collected 1,097 units of blood.

Some donations come from those giving for the very first time, like 6abc intern Alexander O’Connor, who is a senior at University of Pennsylvania.

“I thought I would be afraid of the needle, but it was over so fast!” he shared after his donation, promising that it won’t be his last.

6abc intern Alexander O’Connor is all smiles after donating blood for the first time. Photo by Katerina Luchinina / American Red Cross

Alex came over to the Wynnefield drive location with the 6abc Community Engagement Coordinator Marguerite Faison, who has been giving blood since age 17. She proudly held up a blue tag that was later affixed to her completed blood donation, marking it as a possible match for someone living with sickle cell disease.

“What is most important to me is that people living with sickle cell disease getting the services they need,” she said. For many, those services include blood transfusions.

6abc Community Engagement Coordinator Marguerite Faison holds up the blue tag that will be tied to the blood bag containing her completed donation. Photo by Alana Mauger / American Red Cross

Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S., impacting more than 100,000 people across the country and affecting one out of every 365 African American births. For sickle cell warriors, repeated transfusions may cause an immune response to blood from donors that is not closely matched to their own. However, 1 in 3 Black blood donors is a match for someone living with sickle cell disease.

6abc covered several stories leading up March 26th to help promote blood drive appointments.

One of those featured retired Philadelphia Police Officer Ashley Hoggard, who needed blood transfusions after he was shot in the line of duty in 2009.

Watch 6abc reporter Christie Ileto interviews Ashley Hoggard on March 12, 2025.

For the second story, 6abc reporter Alyana Gomez spoke with Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter Board member Dave Thomas and his wife Jillian, who have a healthy baby boy, thanks in part to generously donated blood. Jillian lives with Diamond-Blackfan anemia, a rare bone marrow disorder that impairs the production of red blood cells. She received regular blood transfusions throughout her pregnancy – and throughout her life.

Watch: 6abc reporter Alyana Gomez interviews Dave and Jillian Thomas on March 21, 2025.

For the final story, 6abc’s Vice President of Community Engagement Nikki Hawkins shared a very personal story about how her attempts to give blood at the first three 6abc blood drives led her to a medical diagnosis for which she is now being treated.

There is no substitute for generously donated blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. Schedule a blood donation appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.

April 4, 2025
Red Cross celebrates opening of renovated Spring Garden Campus in Philadelphia

By Alana Mauger

A new feature of the Red Cross Spring Garden Campus is an historical timeline from 1916 to present day that spans the curved hallway connecting the main entrance to the atrium. Photo by Katerina Luchinina / American Red Cross

The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region officially opened its new headquarters with a two-part celebration and ribbon cutting on March 5, 2025.

Already home to Biomedical Services for more than 30 years, the newly renovated Spring Garden Campus now incorporates Red Cross Humanitarian Services work – Disaster Cycle Services, Training Services, Service to the Armed Forces and International Services – under one roof at 700 Spring Garden St. in Philadelphia.

“Right from this building, we lead with heart and hope,” Red Cross Regional CEO Jennifer Graham shared during the ceremony. “Our commitment is community and presence is our promise.”

That commitment was on display Wednesday when partners from across the region joined local and Northeast division Red Crossers to commemorate the opening.

Community partners join American Red Cross officials to cut the ribbon during the evening program at the Spring Garden Campus grand opening on March 5, 2025. Photo by Konrad Jones / American Red Cross

Representing the City of Philadelphia, Dominick Morales, director of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management (OEM), said the Red Cross is not only a partner, but a “physical pillar” in the city.

“This new space embodies your commitment by providing a base of operations for safety training to respond to disasters and catastrophes and for blood donation. And unfortunately, Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania are no stranger to needing those services daily,” he said.

Morales added that the campus “stands as a symbol that service and volunteerism are important because in times of need, we truly need one another.”

Left: Director of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management Dominick Morales; Right: Philadelphia Fire Department,Deputy Commissioner Gustav Bauman. Photos by Konrad Jones / American Red Cross

Representing the Philadelphia Fire Department, Deputy Commissioner Gustav Bauman recalled being in an older iteration of the very same Red Cross building 30 years ago on his first day as a firefighter.

“In this building, you’ve provided decades of partnership and service to our whole community,” he said. “Through the application of science, compassion and action, you have exemplified what is success in a community.”

Wrapping up his remarks, Bauman thanked the Red Cross.

“I know that I speak on behalf of the almost 3,700 hearts that make up the Philadelphia Fire Department that we can’t do this – could never have done this – without you.”

Red Cross Blood Services labs are on the second floor overlooking the atrium at the Spring Garden Campus in Philadelphia. Photo by Donn Greenberg / American Red Cross

While much Red Cross disaster work happens outside of the building, Biomedical Services has been serving the Greater Philadelphia community and beyond from Spring Garden Street for more than 30 years.

Several national Red Cross laboratories are unique to Philadelphia and highlight the facility’s state-of-the-art technology. Here, scientists and technicians solve complex immunohematology and platelet transfusion cases; help hospital partners find lifesaving rare blood through the American Rare Donor Program; use molecular testing to match blood at a genetic level; and perform specialized testing for transplants.

Director of Red Cross National Laboratories Dr. Margaret Keller offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at the labs on the second floor of the Spring Garden Campus. Photo by Konrad Jones / American Red Cross

The Spring Garden Campus also includes a new, larger blood donation center with private health history rooms and improved reception and recovery areas. And thanks to evolving technology, the building now has two specialized donation centers that support clinical apheresis and cellular therapy treatments for seriously ill patients.

“Our new donor centers ensure that every blood and platelet donor who walks through our doors has a welcoming, positive experience,” said Dr. Shraddha Babariya, executive director of Red Cross Laboratory Services. “A positive donor experience means donors come back, and repeat donations save more lives.”

Expanded Blood Donation Center at the Spring Garden Campus in Philadelphia. Photo by Dave Skutnik / American Red Cross

Representatives from Red Cross corporate partners West Pharmaceutical Services and Cencora rounded out the evening’s speakers.

“What a fantastic facility! You can feel the passion towards helping the local communities, not just here in Philadelphia, but beyond,” said Eric Green, CEO of West Pharmaceutical Services, which hosts blood drives across the U.S. and supports local disaster responses and the Red Cross sickle cell initiative.

“We’re honored to have our name in the lobby, which is so close to where we started 100 years ago just several blocks from here. But more importantly, our purpose at West is to improve patient lives, and our partnership with American Red Cross is simply a partnership of common purpose,” he shared.

Left: West Pharmaceutical Services CEO Eric Green; Right: Cencora Director of Community Impact and Cencora Impact Foundation Program Director Nicole Gordon. Photos by Konrad Jones / American Red Cross

Like Green, Nicole Gordon, director of community impact for Cencora and program director for the Cencora Impact Foundation, said her organization’s work with the Red Cross “is grounded in our purpose.” Cencora sponsored the new Revolution Conference Room by supporting Red Cross International Services, as well as hosting blood drives and facilitating a Service to the Armed Forces kit build.

“We’re united in our responsibility to create healthier futures, and for us, I couldn’t think of a better way to do that than to partner with the Red Cross,” she said.

Visit our website to learn more about the Spring Garden Campus renovation along with building campaign and recognition opportunities. Visit our Flickr albums for photos from the day and evening events.

Watch media coverage of the American Red Cross Spring Garden Campus Grand Opening celebration on March 5, 2025 in Philadelphia as seen on Fox 29, NBC 10 and Telemundo 62.

March 11, 2025
In The News – 6abc: 100-year-old former nurse continues to donate blood to American Red Cross

6abc’s Matteo Iadonisi interviews Blanche McKee, a retired nurse who donated blood at an American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania blood drive just days after turning 100 years old. Blanche was responsible for establishing blood drives to her retirement community, Freedom Village in Coatesville, years ago. The segment aired during 6abc’s 6 p.m. broadcast on Dec. 9, 2024. For more, check out our blog story about Blanche’s donation.

December 11, 2024
6abc hosts fourth annual blood drive on Red Cross Giving Day

By Alana Mauger

A record number of donors came out to give blood at the fourth annual 6abc Red Cross Month blood drive in Philadelphia and South Jersey. Photo by Konrad Jones/American Red Cross

The American Red Cross and 6abc held their fourth annual Red Cross Month blood drive on March 27 in Philadelphia and South Jersey, collecting 238 units of blood to help patients in the Delaware Valley and beyond.

A steady stream of people – including 67 first-time donors – came out to give blood throughout the day at Courtyard by Marriott in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia and at the Collingswood Grant Ballroom and Scottish Rite Auditorium in New Jersey.

“To make sure we have a safe and stable blood supply is really critical,” said Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Jennifer Graham, who was on hand to thank donors in Philadelphia throughout the day. “The blood on the shelves today helps those who need it tomorrow.”

Watch reporter Caroline Goggin’s live afternoon coverage from the 6abc blood drive on March 27.

President and General Manager Bernie Prezenika was among the many 6abc employees who made time to donate.

“It’s a privilege to be able to donate and maybe help someone else who is in need,” said Prazenica. “We have a big metropolitan area with a lot of folks who have health issues. And I just think it’s important that we all do our part to try to help our neighbor.”

Since 2021, the annual drive has collected 734 units of blood.

“Donors look forward to this drive every year,” said Graham regarding the drive’s popularity. “They mark it on the calendars and come back year after year specifically for this event.”

6abc covered several stories leading up March 27 to help promote blood drive appointments.

One of those followed meteorologist Adam Joseph as he donated blood at Villanova University on March 12. It was the second time Joseph donated since the FDA updated its blood donor eligibility guidelines in 2023. 6abc covered Joseph’s first donation back on Aug. 7, 2023.

Watch 6abc meteorologist Adam Joseph’s blood donation at Villanova University.

For another story, Bucks County couple Sue Lowenstein and John “Fish” Fisher shared how blood donations saved Fish’s life after he suffered a medical emergency while on vacation in Colorado in 2016.

Watch as Sue Lowenstein and John “Fish” Fisher share their story with 6abc.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. Schedule a blood donation appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.

April 2, 2024