A new student organization called The American Red Cross Club, held The SUNY One Day
Blood Drive on campus Monday, bringing in 125 donations.
The American Red Cross, in collaboration with Buffalo State, is using this year’s blood
donations to “pay it forward” for 7-year-old Theo Belluvia. Back in 2011, Theo suffered from
an autoimmune disorder, where his white blood cells killed off his platelets, mistaking them for
germs. He was given 1,002 blood donations that saved his life.
Theo’s mother Gina Belluvia said she would like to donate 1,003 blood donations to repay all
donors that helped her son. Blood donations will be collected at Buffalo State and the University
at Buffalo.
“When I learned just how many people had to give their plasma to make the immunoglobulin,
my fear about Theo receiving another transfusion was completely taken over by gratitude,”
Belluvia said. “I couldn’t believe that 1,000 people had donated their blood to give my son
another chance at life.”
American Red Cross senior accounts manager, Krista Goldsmith said students were recruiting
for this blood drive for weeks.
President and founder of Buffalo State’s first American Red Cross Club, Shari Ingles, said she
believes this blood drive was a great opportunity for students to give back and get involved with
the newly formed organization.
“By donating once, you can save three lives,” Ingles said.
She also said participation can increase community service hours and can give students
recognition.
“I am very passionate about Red Cross,” Ingles said, who interned with the organization. “I want
to do big things with this club.”
Lynise James, a junior, said she volunteers with the Red Cross to help bring purpose to the lives
of individuals in need.
“I started volunteering with the Red Cross because I believe in their goals,” she said. “I also
appreciate an organization that has a sole purpose to help people.”
Due to the Student Union renovations, it has been difficult for The Red Cross club to promote.
The club made their first debut during The Zombie Bash event, where they handed out stress
balls, and made fake blood bags to inform students about the blood drive.
Goldsmith said she advises students to spread the word through social media, posters and word
of mouth.
“Recruit heroes,” Goldsmith said.
The American Red Cross has collaborated with Buffalo State for four years, and Goldsmith said
she hopes to continue working with the school’s campus and community.
“The Buffalo State Community has helped collect almost 400 blood donations for two years in a
row. This could save up to 1,200 lives per year,” she said.
Though the organization has not yet been funded by USG, Ingles plans to remain in touch with
new officers to ensure that the organization continues to be active on campus. She also plans to
create a CPR certification class for the near future.
“That is why I do this, because it’s fun,” Ingles said. “It’s work, but it’s fun.”
Sade Mckenzie can be reached by email at mckenzie.record@live.com