Donating Blood, Saving Lives

Kristin Saroyan, Student Life Editor|October 17, 2013

A sheet blocking off students and faculty who are getting their blood drawn during Sage Hill’s blood drive with the American Red Cross. October 9 2013. Photographer: Michelle Min

Students and faculty donated a total of 29 pints of blood on Oct. 9 for the Red Cross Blood Drive in the Lipman Family Lobby at Sage Hill School.

The Red Cross truck parked in Sage Hill School's parking lot. October 9 2013. Photographer: Kristin Saroyan
The Red Cross truck parked in Sage Hill School’s parking lot. October 9 2013. Photographer: Kristin Saroyan

“I organize the blood drives because I think that donating blood is a pure form of charity to an undoubtedly good cause,” said senior Kavi Sakraney, co-leader of Sage’s Red Cross Blood Drive Club.

Leaders Sakraney and senior Alexandra Mowrey organized two blood drives this year; for this first one, 22 of the donors were students, each donating a pint of blood.

A sign outside Sage Hill School pointing blood donors to the Lipman Family Lobby. October 9 2013. Photographer: Michelle Min
A sign outside of the arts building pointing blood donors to the Lipman Family Lobby. October 9 2013. Photographer: Michelle Min

“There are millions of people out there who need blood, and I know one donation doesn’t make a huge difference, but it can significantly improve the life of one person,” senior Alexander Sun explained of his choice to donate blood.

According to redcrossblood.org, high school blood drives help save lives, demonstrate leadership, promote teamwork and account for 20 per cent of the millions of blood donations made each year.

“When you are donating blood, you are potentially saving a life,” Sakraney said. “I find the opportunity to have that kind of huge positive impact on another’s life extremely valuable.”