We'll always be Team Oliver.
Last week, 45 Ninjas from the North Scott (Iowa) community came out to remember and celebrate Oliver Rentmeester at his birthday Ninja Warrior blood drive. Oliver was just five when he passed away in October of 2023, just 237 days after being diagnosed with cancer.
The work you do every day gives families more time together. Oliver was able to start kindergarten and lose his first tooth, all because blood transfusions were part of his treatment. You can hear from Oliver's parents here.
UWM Wins Abbott, Big 10 "We Give Blood" Blood Drive
BADGERS WIN!
Congratulations to University of Wisconsin-Madison, the freshly crowned champions of the Abbott and Big Ten Conference "We Give Blood" challenge! Students, faculty, fans and alumni rallied to collect an incredible 15,476 blood donations this football season, besting every Big Ten school to earn a $1,000,000 grant!
Exact Sciences Corp. is a Partner for Life
Exact Sciences Corp. reached out a couple of weeks ago hoping to support the Big Ten We Give Blood competition, and their team delivered in a big way. They filled fifty appointments the same day the first drive opened, which led to a second drive on Monday. Together, both drives collected sixty units with sixty one first time donors.
Our Donor Services team was outstanding, and UW Madison athletes helped cheer on donors at the refreshment table. Their combined enthusiasm created a boost for Wisconsin as the competition heads into its final days.
Exact Sciences usually hosts drives with another provider, so this partnership was a standout moment. We are grateful for their support and excited about what future collaborations might bring.
Blood Donors Give More Birthdays
Marissa Marquis is here today, thanks to blood donors and the work you do. She was just four years old when she underwent treatment for cancer, and her family has celebrated every November since then with a birthday blood drive.
Last month, the Marquis family hosted their 7th annual blood drive, turning her 11th birthday into a chance to help other kids who rely on blood throughout treatment. Donors showed up to celebrate with cupcakes, helping make this year’s birthday drive a huge success.
“When I gave up social media, I thought, I’m not sure how we’re going to fill these donation spots,” said Marissa’s mother, Stephanie Marquis. “But people just remember that it’s every November, we do a blood drive. It’s wonderful that people just come and they want to celebrate. They’re happy to give.”
A message from Dr. Hermelin
Flu season officially began Monday, December 8th, and we encourage everyone to take extra precautions to prevent transmission. Please stay home if you’re feeling ill to protect our donors, colleagues, and community.