On February 1st the Micaela Brunson Memorial Blood Drive took place with help from the Muskie Key Club and Impact Life of Muscatine. The mission for the Brunson family through the Blood Drive is to give a very special gift back to the community, the gift of life.
Upon walking into the Van Hecke Center, where the blood drive took place, you are met with a multitude of smiling faces available to help you out. Most of the people you see around are Key Club members and Impact Life employees that are there to help you get set up and prepared for your donation.
Alma and Brian Brunson, Micaela’s parents, were also in attendance at the event for a special tradition – making pancakes for anyone who would like them. Alma shared that this is something that Micaela would do during finals week to brighten the day of her classmates. Alma also explained the importance of the blood drive to their family.
“The blood drive is a way for us to honor her memory on her birthday,” Alma explained. “When you lose someone that you love you don’t stop loving them, so this is a way for us to continue to show Micaela our love, and to raise awareness.”
Other people around the community also showed up to help the cause by donating, including some students here at MHS.
Nina Chatman, a Senior, shared why she chose to donate blood. Nina shared that she has a universal blood type, meaning she can donate blood to anybody. She also shared some helpful tips for those thinking about donating blood in the future.
“If you’re thinking about donating blood, I think you should talk to somebody who has prior experience,” Nina explained. “I’ve donated blood four times, I would definitely say drink lots of water before your donation.”
If you are thinking about donating blood the next blood drive is set for April 5th. It is a great way to give back to people in need and to help others. You even get a treat after along with the joy of doing good for other people.
