Blood donors rolled up their sleeves at the 10th Annual Jersey City Police & Fire 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive held at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson on Wednesday, September 11, in honor of those who lost their lives 23 years ago in the terrorist attacks.
Members of the Jersey City Police and Fire Departments, community members, and friends and family of those lost on Sept. 11, donated blood to mark the occasion while giving back to the community. The drive, sponsored by Suburban Propane, collected 116 units of blood.
“As the nation marks the anniversary of the attacks on Sept. 11, we should hold in our hearts the memory of all those we lost, honor the brave responders who helped that day and in the months that followed, and rekindle the spirit of service to help our neighbors in need,” said Rosie Taravella, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region.
Kato Figueroa
Twice a year, Kato Figueroa makes a Power Red donation, making certain that one of those donations is at this annual drive.
On September 11, 2001, Kato rode the train into work, arriving at the World Trade Center shortly before disaster struck. After getting to his company’s office on the tenth floor of the South Tower, a plane struck WTC North Tower and his company evacuated their employees to safety. All but one of his co-workers survived, but many people who he came into contact with on a daily basis perished.
“I worked there for 20 years, so the coffee guy, the bagel guy, the shoeshine guy on Wall Street. I knew firefighters who died. I was impacted and saw things that day that I wish I never saw,” he explained.
In memory of the 37 people he knew, and all of the other victims and heroes of Sept.11, Kato turned to a life of service, almost immediately joining the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Jersey City and also helping to organize community events.
“Knowing that I am helping people means a lot to me,” he said.
All presenting donors received a Red Cross first aid kit, courtesy of Suburban Propane, a proud national sponsor of the American Red Cross.
“On this solemn anniversary of September 11th, we at Suburban Propane unite with the American Red Cross and the Jersey City Police & Fire Departments to host the 10th annual 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive to honor the lives lost and the bravery displayed on that fateful day,” said Nandini Sankara, Spokesperson, Suburban Propane. “We are honored to support this event, which continues to be a powerful reminder of the strength of our community and our shared commitment to offering hope and help to those in need.”
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!
