September 2025 - ImpactLife

Partner Feature: Jessica McKearney — Hudson Strong

Blood is medicine for kids fighting cancer. Hudson was just 23 months old when he was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. His treatment required years of chemotherapy, transfusions, and procedures before completing therapy in 2022. Inspired by his journey, Hudson’s family created the Hudson Strong Foundation to raise awareness for childhood cancer and highlight the critical role of blood donation.

This month, the Foundation hosted its annual Unmasking Childhood Cancer Masquerade Ball, an event that revealed the hardships pediatric cancer patients face and the support communities provide for families like Hudson’s.

Jessica McKearney, Hudson’s mom and co-chair of the ImpactLife Quad Cities Associate Board, continues to be a powerful advocate for families impacted by childhood cancer and a dedicated partner in our mission to strengthen the blood supply.

Learn more about the Hudson Strong Foundation.

Big Ten: We Give Blood drive

What color do you bleed? The BIGGEST blood donation competition in the country is back! Abbott and the Big Ten are teaming up with ImpactLife and other community blood centers to turn school spirit into lifesaving action.

From August 27 through December 5, students, alumni, and fans will rally their school pride to fight the national blood shortage. Each donation made at participating drives counts toward their university’s total, helping determine who will take home the 2025 title.

Last year, the University of Nebraska topped the leaderboard. This year, the challenge is wide open and every pint helps patients in need. Plus, donors can score a limited-edition Homefield T-shirt while supplies last.

Join the Competition

Student Impact Awards

We love connecting with the next generation of lifesavers! The Student Impact Award recognizes high school seniors who make a difference through blood donation, volunteering, or recruiting others to give. Students track their activity with ImpactLife to earn credits toward this special recognition.

Recipients are honored with a certificate, medallion, and recognition at their school’s awards ceremony. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate students who help ensure a strong blood supply and inspire their peers to follow their lead.

This year, we sat down with several Student Impact Award winners to hear their stories firsthand. Why they give, what inspires them, and how they’re encouraging their peers to be part of something bigger.

Microlearning

Looking for quick and effective tools to inspire donors? Our new Microlearning YouTube Playlist offers short and engaging videos that answer common questions about blood donation and highlight the impact donors make every day.

These videos are designed for sharing. Use them to help recruit donors, spark interest on social media, or educate your team. Whether it is easing fears about the donation process or showing the difference one pint can make, these microlearning clips make it simple to spread the word.

Check out and share the Microlearning Playlist

BERC Activation: ImpactLife Supports NY Bus Accident

It’s the blood on the shelves that saves lives in an emergency. ImpactLife was among 12 blood providers nationwide that responded to a mass casualty event on Interstate 90 near Buffalo, New York. The national Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC) was activated after a serious crash involving a tour bus and semi left more than 50 patients injured and in need of emergency care.

Through BERC, blood centers across the country stand ready to provide lifesaving support when large-scale emergencies strike. As part of this coordinated response, ImpactLife shipped units of blood to support hospitals in western New York while continuing to meet patient needs here at home.

“Our participation in BERC ensures that blood is available where it is needed most, without delay or uncertainty,” said Katie Marchik, Chief Operating Officer. “It also gives us confidence that if our region faces a sudden surge in demand, we will have the same support from our colleagues across the country.”

Learn About BERC

Corpuscle Shuffle Run & Walk 5K is Almost Here

Ready, set, shuffle! The annual ImpactLife Corpuscle Shuffle 5K Run & Walk is one of our favorite traditions, bringing together employees, blood donors, volunteers, and community members for a day of fun and celebration. On Saturday, October 4, participants can choose between a 5K or 1-mile run/walk, starting and finishing at our Davenport headquarters.

After crossing the finish line, stick around for awards and an unforgettable post-race party at nearby Five Cities Brewery. With music, refreshments, and plenty of camaraderie, it is a great way to celebrate the lifesaving impact we make together.

Whether you are running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, the Corpuscle Shuffle is all about community, wellness, and supporting our LifeSavings Grant program, which helps engage the next generation of blood donors.