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Oak Creek Police Lieutenant invites donors to the Season of Giving blood drive

BloodCenter of Wisconsin to Host Season of Giving Blood Drive

BloodCenter of Wisconsin, and a local hero, are asking area residents to save the day for patients in need at the 13th Annual Season of Giving Blood Drive. Lt. Brian Murphy (Ret.) will be on hand to share how the generosity of blood donors impacted his life following a tragic shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek. His life was changed forever on August 5, 2012, after he was shot 17 times. He was critically wounded by 12 of the shots that struck his body; the others hitting his protective vest.

“Thanks to the generous donors who took time to give blood, I am here today,” Murphy said. “People call me a hero, but blood donors are the real heroes. They save lives every day. They saved mine.” Lt. Murphy shares his compelling story and his message to blood donors in this video (www.bcw.edu/season).

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The Season of Giving blood drive takes place Thursday, Dec. 26 and Friday, Dec. 27, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Peck Welcome Center of the Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Blue Mound Road, Milwaukee. BloodCenter hopes to see more than 800 donors during the event.

Donations of all blood types are needed, but there is an especially great need for O negative, A negative and B negative donors. O negative blood is of critical importance, as it is the universal donor and the blood type given to newborn babies and people in emergency situations.

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All attempting donors will receive:

  • Complimentary Zoo admission on the day of the drive
  • A complimentary adult Zoo ticket for a future date
  • Free parking
  • Free childcare

BloodCenter asks that families consider making this special blood drive a new holiday tradition. Donating blood during the holiday season — a time when donations often decrease — can mean the difference between life and death for many patients. 

“It’s the greatest thing one person can do for another,” said Murphy. “It’s a gift that can never be repaid enough. It doesn’t require being shot; it doesn’t require entering a burning building. It just requires a half-hour of your time.” 

To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376) or visit www.bcw.edu or m.bcw.edu on a mobile device.

Donations of all blood types are needed, but there is an especially great need for O negative 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 not-for-profit organization that specializes in blood services, organ, tissue and marrow donation, diagnostic testing, medical services and leading-edge research. BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the only provider of blood to hospitals in 29 Wisconsin counties as well as providing support to hospitals and patients across the country. 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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