Penn State Students Give Blood In MSU Challenge

Chuck Lawless thinks you can become a hero even without any superpowers.

“If you’re not a superhero but you still want to save lives…give blood,” the junior finance major and Student Red Cross member said.

The 16th annual Penn State vs. Michigan State Blood Donor Challenge and the Alpha Epsilon Delta Blood Cup began Nov. 2. Thursday is the last day to participate.

Each school has been attempting to reach a goal of 2,000 units of blood. The winner will be announced on Nov. 21 before kickoff at the Penn State vs. Michigan State football game.

Jim Harvey, a senior english major and Vice President of the Student Red Cross Club, said, “We organize the challenge around the holiday season because this is when the number of donors decreases the most, due to busy holiday schedules. The challenge brings a lot of people out and helps stock our blood supply for all the patients who really need it.\”

Penn State took the lead last night with 1,548 units; Michigan State had collected 1,523 units. This year will mark the 11th win for Penn State if they maintain the lead through tomorrow night.

Patrick Beal, a junior journalism major has participated in the Blood Donor Challenge for the past thee years.

“I’ve always donated blood ever since high school. It’s simple to do and it helps a lot of people, plus you get free food,” he said.

All presenting donors receive a free T-shirt and pizza provided by Papa John’s.

“In 7th grade, I had a skiing accident and ruptured my spleen. I lost half my blood, and my life was saved by a blood transfusion. As soon as I turned 17 I began donating blood. It’s my way of giving back,” Beal said.

Other students, like Lawless, cited parental influence as the inspiration to donate blood.

“My dad always gave blood when I was younger, and I used to ask him why he had a bandage on his arm. He would tell me because other people need help, and I can give it to them. When I turned 17, I decided to do the same,” said Lawless, a first-year member of the Student Red Cross.

One single donation can save three lives, but only 5 percent of the population donates blood every year. The act of giving blood takes about 10 minutes, and the whole experience lasts about one hour.

Thursday is your last chance to be a part of the Penn State vs. Michigan State Blood Donor Challenge. Go to the HUB Alumni Hall from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to donate. A form of ID is required. Penn State ID, a driver’s license or a Red Cross donor card are all accepted.