South Texas Blood Drive Honors Mayah Zamora

In conjunction with South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, the Danos Foundation sponsored a blood drive on June 20, 2023, in Carrizo Springs, Texas, in honor of Mayah Zamora and all the victims and communities affected by the tragic Uvalde school shooting. Because blood donations saved Mayah’s life, she asked us to spread the word and help encourage blood donations.

Although Mother Nature seemed to be against us with the excessive heat (115 degrees!), the event was a huge success.  The communities in the area rallied together to come out to donate. 17 people attempted to donate with 10 successful donations before the drive had to be ended early. The extreme heat outside would not allow the blood mobile to stay cool enough for people to donate, but still, there was never an empty donation bed! The parking lot was full of people sitting in their air-conditioned vehicles waiting for a chance to get on the bus to donate. Wow!

The blood center was collecting ‘whole blood.’ In general, one donation of whole blood can save up to three lives. Whole blood contains three components that can be transfused to three patients, depending on their need.  They were also able to collect several red blood cell donations. This process takes a little longer than whole blood because the red blood cells are separated from the other two components. The red blood cells are kept, and the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor.  Cancer patients receive the red blood cells for treatment.

There is a great need for blood donations during the summertime because of the increase in accidents and regular donors being on vacation, enjoying the summer, or simply not wanting to get out in the hot temperatures to donate.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Mayah’s request and aided the healing of the South Texas communities. Danos will be organizing another drive in the cooler months for those who weren’t able to donate.