More than 60 students take part in Halloween Blood Drive
Goshen, N.Y. (October 31, 2018) – It’s known for tricks and treats, but Halloween was a day of giving the gift of life this year at Burke Catholic High School as more than 60 students took part in a fall blood drive.
Many of the student blood donors were dressed in Halloween costumes and Burke Catholic’s emotional support dog, Logan, was even dressed as the Cowardly Lion.
This was the first time junior Tiffany Ramos, who was dressed as a black cat, had ever given blood.
“I turned 16 in April and I saw this as an opportunity to give to others,” explained Ramos. “I love that it’s on Halloween.”
The event, sponsored by the New York Blood Center, was organized by Burke Catholic Nurse, Kathleen Kish and blood drive senior co-captains, Gianna Tondo and Sienna Lee.
“It’s a fun, spirited event,” said Lee who has aspirations of a career in anesthesiology. “We were only expecting about 30 donors, but more than 60 students signed up!”
The blood drive was dedicated to Sunrise Day Camp, a free summer camp for children with cancer and their siblings.
“I worked at Sunrise Day camp over the summer,” said Tondo who wants to one day be a pediatric surgeon with a focus on oncology. “This helps raise awareness of the camp’s important work and lets the patients know we’re always thinking of them.”
Senior Joy Watson, who was wearing Minnie Mouse ears summed up what the day was all about, saying “I like the idea of saving somebody’s life.”
And Watson’s donation might do even more since just one blood donation can potentially save three lives.
To learn more about John S. Burke Catholic High School, visit www.BurkeCatholic.com.
