A Volunteer Fire Department Honors One of its Own with Annual Blood Drive

By Dan Dowling, regional communications manager

“I took up a lot of blood and platelets, so much that we were keeping track just to see how much. We lost track after 200 units.”

In 2018, Alex Blair was diagnosed with leukemia and depended on numerous units of blood and platelets throughout her treatment. As a volunteer firefighter, she was usually the one providing help to others. However, during her hospital stay, she witnessed her hometown of Cambridge, Vermont come together to support her and her family.

Alex Blair and Kristy Marsh

The Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department started hosting an annual blood drive to replenish the blood and platelets required by Blair, acknowledging that these donations also help others in need. Kristy Marsh, the blood drive coordinator and a fellow volunteer firefighter, said this was the best way to support Blair during her battle with leukemia.

“We wanted to do something in her honor, because we felt kind of helpless and we wanted to help. We started this as our way of giving back because of all the numerous blood products that she received when she was in hospital. Now, we do it every year,” said Marsh.

One person can potentially help save dozens of lives by hosting a blood drive. As a blood drive coordinator, you will take the lead, with support from the Red Cross, of course, to rally people to roll up a sleeve. These blood donors can be loved ones, friends, neighbors, co-workers, community groups or partner organizations. Many of our blood drive organizers tell us they find immense satisfaction in promoting a cause that ensures blood is available when patients need it most.

This close-knit group in Cambridge found themselves rallying around their town once more when historic flooding hit the area this past July. 

“The water came up to our driveway. It was just kind of a crazy thing for the community. Luckily, we no one got hurt,” said Marsh.

Blair has been a member of the volunteer fire department since 2016. Now that her condition has improved, she is splitting her time between the fire department and Vermont State University where she is also studying to be a nurse. To celebrate her return, the department added new ribbon decals to all their trucks. The fire department continues its annual drive to supply blood to those in need.

“My whole family has been involved for a while and it's just one big family here. They took over in supplying other people with blood products so in a sense, it feels like we're making up on my end of things, which I think is awesome,” said Blair. "I was one person needing over 200 units. That's significant and I'm not the only one who does. We need to be replacing the blood. Please donate.”

To learn more about becoming a blood drive coordinator, visit: How To Host a Red Cross Blood Drive.