Voices from GBLN's Red Cross blood drive - Greater Bridgeport Latino Network

Thanks to you, the American Red Cross exceeded expectations at the GBLN-sponsored Blood Drive last Saturday.

Fifty-four people donated blood, including "Power Reds," at the McGivney Center. That is seven more than the Red Cross goal of 47 donors. (Power Red is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning your plasma and platelets to you.)

Each unit of blood can save up to three lives, so 162 lives were potentially saved because of this drive.

There's another chance to give coming up soon: The Fourth Annual Cesar Batalla Blood Drive and Bone Marrow Registration at Cesar Batalla School, 606 Howard Ave., Bridgeport, on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Former GBLN Board Member Elena Padin continue to lead us in these life-saving events. Call her at 203-414-2410 to register, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for availability. Or, at www.redcrossblood.org, search under zip code 06604 and find the Cesar Batalla drive to select a time slot.

Why you gave

The Greater Bridgeport Latino Network talked to some of the many people who came to our Red Cross blood drive today. Here is what they had to say about why they take the time to donate their blood.

Ponder their responses. We can all take inspiration from these volunteers and become blood donors ourselves.

: Fredy Acero, from Colombia: “With so many things happening with earthquakes and hurricanes, I could help somebody.

: Angela Orjuela, from Colombia: “I like helping others, donating to help my neighbor.” Cesar Arboleda, from Colombia: “I have never donated blood. I had always wanted … to help.”

: José Barahona, lives in Bridgeport, from El Salvador, donates because of “the need and the absence of people who do not, and I would like to do this more frequently.”

: Pablo Colon, from Norwalk: “It could help save a life. Really, it’s the most important thing. It’s something that helps our community and it’s easy to do.”

: Santos Garcia, of Bridgeport: “Coming here, just coming back to my old neighborhood. My wife and I met here. Hoping this helps the people in Puerto Rico and anyone here. I came to the very first one and there weren’t a lot of people, and through the years it just grew. I like to see Hispanics bonding and helping each other.” Frances Garcia, of Bridgeport: “I do it because I want to help others, especially my sister, because she’s going to have surgery. So this one is especially special for me.”

: Jennifer Henriquez, from Puerto Rico and living in Stratford: “I do it to help others. This is my second time. It feels good because you know you’re saving somebody’s life.”

: Paul Laquesse, from Bridgeport: “My blood is type O negative. I figure it is my responsibility to give whenever I can.” O negative blood is important to the Red Cross because people with that type can only receive transfusions from O negative blood.

: Sonia Moncrieffe, from Bridgeport, originally from Jamaica: “The Red Cross is always saying there is a need to donate. When there are major accidents, or any tragedy, there is a need for a blood transfusion … I do it just to help the Red Cross.”

: Miriam Nuñez, from Bridgeport: “I’ve been donating for quite some time, maybe six years. I’ve donated at work blood drives, It’s something that is needed for the community. I want to encourage other Latinos and others. It is a good cause.”

: Angela Orjuela, from Colombia: “I like helping others, donating to help my neighbor.” Cesar Arboleda, from Colombia: “I have never donated blood. I had always wanted … to help.”

: Leonor Pardo, from Colombia: “First, whenever I hear about donating blood, I’m there, especially with Puerto Rico and Mexico, to whoever needs it. I donate all I can, including my organs.”

: Gregory Regis, from Stratford: “I do this every two months. I give because people need help and I have blood that I can give. I love giving and right now we need it.”

: Alex Reyes, from Stratford: “Just to help people in need. In times like these, everyone needs to help out and it’s the least I can do.” Mirta Olavarria, from Puerto Rico, living in Straftord, was finally able to give blood after trying four times. “This is the gift of life. I want to help someone else to live.”

: Ramiro Rosales, from Bridgeport: “Just to help. O-positive is the universal thing (blood type) … so the more the better. We see the disasters like right now in Puerto Rico, Mexico and it doesn’t hurt to donate.” His sister Josephina Rosales: “To help out. A lot of people need blood, especially in times of crisis. It’s not like I’m giving something I cannot make myself. I’m going to be saving someone’s life.”

: Pete Spain, from Black Rock: “Our thoughts and prayers to our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico at this cataclysmic time.Thanks to GBLN for putting together such a successful blood drive. It makes me proud to be a Bridgeporter.”