Last year, donated blood saved Shane Gale's life.
This year, the College of Business Administration senior is helping to promote today's all-university blood drive in the Alumni Memorial Union. Gale wants people to know that although one pint of blood may not seem like a big contribution, it can make a difference in someone's life.
Regular blood drives are held on campus, but today's will be the largest drive of the year, according to Sonja Juric, senior account representative for the Blood Center of Southeastern Wisconsin. The drive, hosted by the Blood Center, will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in AMU163.
People who donate blood "really are making a difference," said Gale. "One pint might not seem like a lot but as a collective effort, everyone is making a great impact."
According to Juric, Marquette is a large donating sector in the Milwaukee area. The university raises an average of 1,000 units or pints of blood each year, which helps more than 3,000 patients in the community — including Gale.
Last October, Gale was shot twice at an off-campus party and required about 65 units of donated blood.
"I'm sure the 60 or so people who I received blood from never thought that the blood they donated really meant much," he said, "but it did to me. It saved my life."
Donating is a great way to give back to the community, said Matt Fueston, a sophomore in the College of Engineering.
Fueston decided to start donating blood thanks to his father's influence.
"I have one of the most common blood types (O+)," he said. "Why not give something that your body can replenish, if it saves people's lives?"
The Blood Center has a goal of 300 donors on Tuesday, Juric said, though more are always needed.
"We need to see 800 donors a day, six days a week, 52 weeks a year," Juric said. "Blood cannot be manufactured; there is only one way to receive blood, and that is through voluntary donation."
The blood drive is campus-wide, which means everyone is welcome. The Blood Center is hoping for contributions from students, faculty, staff and other members of the community. All donors will also be entered in a contest for a $400 BookMarq giveaway.
Potential donators must be over the age of 17, weigh more than 110 lbs and be in good health.
Appointments can be scheduled at the University Information Center in the AMU or by calling 288-7520; walk-ins are also welcome. Registration will take place near the Golden Eagle Spirit Shop.
This article was published in The Marquette Tribune on October 11, 2005.