Students saving lives

Students at Buffalo State are bringing attention to the need for blood and bone marrow donations through a new student organization called Music Saves Lives.

Jillian Roupp, president of Music Saves Lives at Buffalo State College, said this organization, which has recently been recognized by United Students Government, uses music to help get people to donate blood and bone marrow.

"Music Saves Lives is a way to connect and appeal to the younger generation and make the connection about why donating is important," Roupp said.

Roupp said she first heard about Music Saves Lives when her friend participated in a blood donation in high school.

"I read about the organization and thought it was really important," Roupp said.

Cinthia Avelar, sophomore forensic chemistry major and vice president of Music Saves Lives, said she enjoys promoting this organization.

"You can save up to three lives each time you donate blood," Avelar said.

There is a lot students can learn about donating through this organization.

"Before you donate blood you should eat something and drink fluids. People who don't do this are the ones who end up fainting," said Avelar, who has been donating blood since she was 17 and has yet to pass out.

"Donating blood may be scary at first but it's extremely important and is for a good cause," said Melissa Biffo, a sophomore English major who is a member of Music Saves Lives.

"Even if you don't want to donate you could be a part of it by helping out those donating and spreading the word," Biffo said.

Roupp said if you eat right, prepare for your donation and go with a friend, the experience won't be as scary.

During the spring semester, members of Music Saves Lives had a movie night where they began planning for the fall.

"We talked about dates for blood drives for next semester," Avelar said.

Roupp said she hopes to have three donation dates for the fall semester: two on campus and one in the community.

Many bands touring with Vans Warped Tour promote Music Saves Lives nationally, tying together music and blood/bone marrow donations.

"The music is a lot of fun. Our organization isn't just ‘blood talk'," Biffo said.

Although Music Saves Lives is not on the USG website yet, Roupp said anyone is welcome to join.

"We applied for an office through USG," Roupp said.

She said she hopes the organization will have the office and be able to set office hours for the fall.

"You don't need to make donations," Roupp said. "You just need to know the importance of donating."

Lauren Kirchmyer can be reached by email at kirchmyer.record@live.com.