R.I. Blood Center, Organ Donors Join Forces For National Donate Life Month

The Rhode Island Blood Center, its marrow program, and many leading organ donation groups are joining together in April (National Donate Life Month) to increase awareness of the need for both blood and organ donors, and the use of blood products associated with many organ transplants. 

The idea is to encourage people across Rhode Island to consider donating blood, registering their bone marrow, and making sure you've signed up for organ donations after death. 

On Tuesday, April 2, there will be a press conference showcasing four people who have benefited from donations and transplants. 

• Wendy Foley, a double lung transplant who used more than 150 blood products during her procedures. Wendy is from Bristol and is now training for the triatholon.
• Ritchie Price, a kidney transplant, who is among Rhode Island’s premier musicians, 10 years as lead trumpet player with Lionel Hampton and a member of the National Drum and Bugle Corps Hall of Fame. Ritchee received his transplant a year ago, and is now back playing trumpet.
• Dawn Antaya, living liver donor, who is also the spokesperson for the local organ donor organization.
• Representatives from Rhode Island Hospital’s transplant unit, organ donor groups, the Rhode Island Blood Center’s Marrow program, and Rhode Island Blood Center officials.

If you want to learn more, contact the Rhode Island Blood Center.