Neighbor News
BloodCenter to Host 15th Annual Milwaukee Bucks Blood Drive
Donors can help patients in need on March 23
Milwaukee, Wis. – March 17, 2015 – BloodCenter of Wisconsin is teaming up with the Milwaukee Bucks to host the 15th Annual Milwaukee Bucks Blood Drive. The drive will be held Monday, March 23, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, 1001 N. 4th St., Milwaukee. Donors may call 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376) or visit www.bcw.edu/bucks to make an appointment.
In gratitude for their life-saving gifts, all attempting donors will receive a voucher for two tickets to a future Bucks game. The voucher can be used for one of two games:
Saturday, April 4 vs. Orlando Magic, 7:30 p.m. OR Wednesday, April 15 vs. Boston Celtics, 7 p.m.
Find out what's happening in Wauwatosafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
All attempting donors will also receive a limited-edition Bucks t-shirt along with complimentary childcare.
Members of the Milwaukee Bucks Dance Team and Bucks mascot Bango will be on hand throughout the day. Bucks players and coaches plan to visit following their morning practice.
Find out what's happening in Wauwatosafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Free parking is available diagonally from the blood drive entrance in the parking structure on 4th and Highland. Donors should enter the blood drive at the northeast corner of the BMO Harris Bradley Center at the Potawatomi Gate entrance.
Impacting patient lives
Growing up, Art Nienhuis’ father always donated blood. When Nienhuis was old enough, he followed his father’s example and started donating at Rufus King High School in Milwaukee. But he never expected he’d be the one in need.
Nienhuis battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma twice. He needed multiple platelet transfusions. He has nothing but gratitude for the blood donors who helped to save his life.
“Donors are heroes,” Nienhuis said. “I’m so grateful for blood donors who help patients like me.”
Today, Nienhuis is cancer free and pursuing his dream of becoming a film producer. He can no longer donate blood, so he gives back by sharing his story in the hope that it will inspire others to donate.
“You never know who you might help by donating blood. If you can do it, please do.”
Blood donors may have photos taken with Dottie the Donor Dot. Dottie is the official mascot of Donate Life Wisconsin, a state-wide coalition promoting organ, tissue and eye donation education and awareness. Dottie will be on hand to kick off April as Donate Life Month — dedicated to increasing the number of registered organ, tissue and eye donors in Wisconsin.
Donations of all blood types are needed, but there is an especially great need for O negative donors. Anyone 16 or older who is in general good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to donate blood. Parental consent is required for 16-year-olds to donate. The entire process takes about an hour. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes birth date.
About BloodCenter of Wisconsin
BloodCenter of Wisconsin is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in blood services, organ, tissue and marrow donation, diagnostic testing, medical services and leading-edge research. BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the only provider of blood to hospitals in 29 Wisconsin counties as well as providing support to hospitals and patients across the country. BloodCenter of Wisconsin advances patient care by delivering life-saving solutions grounded in unparalleled medical and scientific expertise. For more information, visit www.bcw.edu.