United Blood Services/Arizona made history. . . on July 28 when a new rule went into effect that allowed our first 16-year-old donors give blood.  The best of the best was assembled that day from the award-winning Bourgade Catholic High School to become Arizona’s youngest heroes at a media event at the UBS Black Canyon Donor Center.  The event was documented by numerous media outlets present including: KTVK-TV 3, KNXV-TV 15, the Arizona Republic, the Glendale Star, News/Talk 92.3 KTAR and Skyview Networks wire service.

The following 16-year-old Bourgade students have now joined the elite lifesaving ranks of other teens who have grown to become the state’s largest blood donor age group.  Pictured from left to right with the Bourgade Catholic High School mascot Goldie are:

1. Michael Weikamp missed his first day of football practice to save lives by being one of Arizona’s first four 16-year-old blood donors.  Whether he’s competing on the field, serving on the Student Council or playing trumpet in the school band, Michael believes in getting involved.  

2. Brian MacCleary turned 16 on July 26, so he earned the distinction of “Arizona’s youngest blood donor” two days later.  He celebrated his birthday by helping to provide another birthday for a patient through a lifesaving blood transfusion.  “I know there is a need and I have it!” he said.  

3. Fernando Perez has wanted to donate blood ever since his father was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and required 172 lifesaving transfusions.  In the interim, he has shown his appreciation for the community blood program by helping to organize blood drives at Bourgade Catholic High School.  On July 28, he realized his dream of giving blood in honor of his father for the first time.

4. Zachary O’Meara serves on the Bourgade Catholic High School blood drive committee because he is energized by helping his school save hundreds of lives each year.  He required heart surgery a few years ago to repair two holes in his heart, so he knows first-hand the benefit of an ample blood supply.  Proud to be the universal donor with Type O-negative blood, Zach was anxious to make his first official blood donation to the community.

To view the full story from the Arizona Republic,

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/07/29/20080729blooddonors0729.html

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