We Painted the Town(s) Gold!
Last Saturday, we raised a glass to one of our favorite collaborations: Liquid Gold, a limited-edition ale specially created for us to support pediatric cancer families by Obed & Isaac's and in partnership with OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois Blood & Disorders Institute. The tapping party was held at both Peoria and Springfield brewery locations.
For every Liquid Gold crowler sold, Obed & Isaac's will donate a dollar to support pediatric patients. The celebration included Kristina Bentz, mom of Ian the Cancer Wrangler, who helped bring this idea to life. We even had our friends at 98.7 WNNS help promote live at Obed & Isaac's Springfield location!
Liquid Gold crowlers are available for ten dollars at Obed & Isaac's locations in Peoria and Springfield while supplies last. Cheers to partnerships that make a difference, one crowler at a time!
Hudson's Heroes
Because of blood donors, Hudson gets to live his best life. Whether it's on the soccer field or spending time with family, blood donors made it possible, and the Hudson Strong Foundation continues to turn Hudson's story into lifesaving action.
Since 2020, they’ve hosted a blood drive every year, and this past Saturday’s drive in Park View brought in 37 donors, helping push their total to more than 2,200 donors while keeping blood ready for kids fighting cancer. On top of that, they have also donated more than $200,000 to fund research or support other families battling pediatric cancer.
We're grateful to Hudson's mom, Jessica McKearney, co-chair of our Quad Cities Associate Board, and the entire Hudson Strong team for all they do to help save lives.
Giving the Bob Hay Way
Five years in, the Robert E. Hay Memorial Blood Drive in Cedar Rapids is still carrying Bob’s legacy of giving forward. Bob was a longtime blood donor who never turned a blind eye to someone in need, and his family and friends continue to honor that spirit by bringing their community together to give.
Last Saturday's drive saw 18 donors, including one first- time donor! The Bob Hay Way doesn’t stop at the annual drive, either. So far this year, the group has also contributed nine additional donations at our donor centers.
We’re grateful to his family and everyone who continues to make his memorial drive a celebration of that generous spirit. Five years later, the generosity of Bob Hay still flows on.
Hosting Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks
We were pleased to host Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks for a visit to our headquarters on Wednesday. The U.S. Representative for the 1st District of Iowa spent time talking with members of our Donor Services, Components, and IMD teams while she learned about new developments in blood banking and issues affecting our region's blood supply.
She spent extra time on her tour learning about the Reveos Automated Blood Processing System - thank you to Travis Rudolph (Manager, Components) for lending his expertise - and Katie Marchik (Chief Operating Officer) showed Rep. Miller-Meeks the equipment we've installed to manufacture spray dried plasma for Velico.
Rep. Miller-Meeks has a medical background, having served as a nurse and physician during her career in the U.S. Army. In the course of learning about us, she asked questions on federal licensure and regulations that affect our operations and pledged her support when and where she can help as a member of Congress.
The Corpuscle Shuffle 5K is Tomorrow!
Who's ready to shuffle?
More than 250 people have registered for tomorrow's Corpuscle Shuffle and with a great weather forecast, we're on track to see a record turnout! There's still time to join the fun, with online registration still open at bloodcenter.org/5K, or you can sign up to be a volunteer out on the route.
We shared a fun video on social media this week, showcasing all of the goodies that come with race registration, including:
Plus, every finisher will be handed a Corpuscle Shuffle beanie at the finish line! We're looking forward to making our 8th Annual event the best one yet.