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Community Corner

BloodCenter of Wisconsin offers State Fair tickets to donors who save the day this summer

Milwaukee, Wis. — July 12, 2013 — BloodCenter of Wisconsin is thanking blood donors who help to save the day during a time of increased need. This summer has been particularly difficult for blood donations. So as a small token of appreciation for their life-saving gift, BloodCenter invites blood donors to enjoy complimentary admission to the Wisconsin State Fair.

Each Wednesday from now through August 7, anyone who gives blood in one of BloodCenter’s donor centers will receive a ticket to the Wisconsin State Fair, while supplies last. The ticket can be used on any day, at any time during the State Fair. Participating donor center locations include:

• Brown Deer, 5960 W. Brown Deer Rd.

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• Greenfield, 7210 W. Edgerton Ave.

• Kenosha, 8064 39th Ave.

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• Milwaukee, 638 N 18th St.

• Racine, 1120 S. Sunnyslope Rd.

• Sheboygan, 1018 S. Taylor Dr.

• Waukesha, 2111 Springdale Rd.

• Wauwatosa, 8733 Watertown Plank Rd.

• West Bend, 130 Valley Ave.

Donors can schedule an appointment by calling 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376), visiting www.bcw.edu or m.bcw.edu on their mobile device.

Blood donations decrease during busy summer months as donors are focused on travel and events, and fewer school and community drives are held. But the need is great. Andy Palen, guitarist for the Milwaukee band Love Monkeys — who will be appearing at this year’s State Fair — know better than most that your blood donation can save the day for patients in need. Patients like him.

Andy had a stomach ache he couldn’t explain. It grew progressively worse to the point of him passing out in the middle of a conversation. Doctors discovered Andy had a rare birth defect called Meckel's diverticulum. He had been bleeding internally for days. Transfusions helped to replenish the blood that Andy lost. Andy says his experience prompted him to “get busy living” and pursue his music career. It also brought to light the critical need for blood donation. “You think you’ll never need it,” Andy says, “and then something out of the blue happens, and you do.”

Donations of all blood types are needed, but there is an especially great need for O negative and platelet donors. Anyone 17 or older who is in general good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to donate blood. Parental consent is required for 16-year-olds to donate. The entire process takes about an hour. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes birth date.

About BloodCenter of Wisconsin

BloodCenter of Wisconsin is a private, not-for-profit organization that specializes in blood services, organ and tissue recovery, marrow donation and education, diagnostic testing, medical services and leading-edge research. BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the only provider of blood to hospitals in 29 Wisconsin counties. BloodCenter of Wisconsin advances patient care by delivering life-saving solutions grounded in unparalleled medical and scientific expertise. For more information, visit www.bcw.edu.

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