Addison Trail celebrates 50 years of hosting blood drives

Addison Trail students participate in the school's blood drive on Oct. 12. The event collected blood for Vitalant and marked Addison Trail's 50th anniversary of hosting blood drives. Left: Senior Michal Niemirski donates blood. Center: Students in the Addison Trail Medical Careers class provide assistance during the event. They are (back row, from left) senior Michal Niemirski, senior Jason Schneider, junior Raul Huerta, senior Miguel Cuevas, (front row, from left) senior Delaney Gayon, senior Nimrah Ahmed, senior Jazmin Martinez, senior Sara Bojczuk and senior Alicia Lloveras. Right: Senior Miguel Cuevas helps out during the blood drive. Photos provided by Addison Trail senior Sara Bojczuk

On Oct. 12, Addison Trail celebrated 50 years of hosting blood drives to help save lives.

Students, staff and community members donated 57 productive pints of blood for Vitalant. Each unit of blood collected supports up to three lives, which means this event could potentially save up to 171 lives. The blood donated is used to assist people who are going through cancer treatment or an organ transplant or those who have been in an accident.

The blood drive was open to individuals 17 years old and older, or those 16 years old with parental consent. Participants have to go through a series of questions before donating to ensure they meet certain requirements. The event takes place twice a year at Addison Trail and helps educate students to become blood donors early on.

Students, staff and community members are welcome to continue giving toward Addison Trail’s total. Call 630-530-3989 for details. For participating in blood drives, Vitalant presents District 88 with a check that goes toward scholarships for students at Addison Trail and Willowbrook.