Local donors invited to make a lifesaving impact with The Blood Connection

The holiday season is here—a time filled with joy, traditions and the spirit of giving. As communities across the Carolinas, Georgia and Virginia celebrate with family and friends, hospitals continue to rely on one thing that never takes a holiday: blood donations. To honor this season of generosity, The Blood Connection (TBC) is offering two special three-day holiday promotion from December 12-14 and 19-21, encouraging more people to step forward and support their neighbors when it matters most.

During this limited-time event, all whole blood donors will receive $30 in TBC Rewards, which comes in the form of an eGift card, plus an exclusive holiday sweatshirt—a festive reminder that the gift of giving truly looks good on everyone. For those willing to take their impact a step further, first-time platelet donors will receive $150 in TBC Rewards, also issued in an eGift card, and the holiday sweatshirt as a thank-you for answering one of the most urgent needs in local healthcare.

Exclusions apply. Donors in Augusta, Evans, Lexington, and Rock Hill communities will receive $50 in TBC Rewards plus an exclusive holiday sweatshirt. Tanger Outlets of Commerce Georgia will receive only TBC Rewards.

Why Giving During the Holidays Matters More Than Ever

While communities gather for holiday celebrations, hospitals across TBC’s service region remain busy treating trauma patients, cancer patients, premature infants, mothers in childbirth and people living with chronic illnesses. These patients cannot pause their treatments for the holidays—and they depend directly on local blood donors to keep care moving.

Blood donations often dip in December as many people travel or adjust their schedules for holiday events. Even a few days of slower collections can create challenges for hospitals. With more than 130 local hospitals relying on TBC every single day, each donor plays a critical part in keeping shelves stocked.

A single donation can support multiple patients, and for many families, those few minutes spent in a donor bed translate into more holidays, more memories and more moments with the ones they love.

A Festive Experience for a Lifesaving Cause

To match the spirit of the season, TBC staff are trained to offer warm hospitality, attentive guidance and a welcoming experience for every donor. Their professionalism and encouragement create joyful atmosphere during a busy time of year, helping donors feel supported from the moment they walk into the moment they enjoy their post-donation snack. Many donors say that giving around the holiday feels especially meaningful because it allows them to support their community in a tangible, heartfelt way.

Those who choose to donate during the holiday promotion will be a part of a special holiday event designed to celebrate the generosity of local donors. For platelet donors, this period also plays a crucial role in supporting patients who rely on these essential components—especially patients undergoing cancer treatments, emergency surgeries or experiencing severe bleeding. Because platelets have only a five-day shelf life, donations during the holidays become even more essential.

Make Blood Donation a Holiday Tradition

Whether you are donating for the first time or returning as part of an annual tradition, the holiday season is the perfect time to give. Some bring family members home from college; others donate with coworkers as a year-end service project. Many simply want to give back in a meaningful way before the year wraps up.

No matter how the tradition begins, one thing remains true: this gift stays local. Every donation supports patients right here in the communities TBC serves.

How to Give the Gift That Saves Lives

Scheduling an appointment is quick and easy. Donors can find a nearby center or blood drive through the TBC website. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments help ensure a smooth and timely visit during this busy three-day promotion.

Donors should bring a photo ID and review basic eligibility guidelines ahead of time. Those interested in platelets are encouraged to call with questions or to learn what to expect from their first appointment.

Choose a Gift That Truly Matters This Season

The December 12-14 and 19-21 holiday promotion is more than a celebration—it’s a chance for local donors to change lives. Whether someone gives whole blood or becomes a first-time platelet donor, their impact reaches families across the region during a season centered on connection and care.

Give the gift that saves lives. Celebrate the season. Make an impact that lasts far beyond the holidays.

Healthy Blood Donor Tips: How to Stay Well Before and After You Give

Donating blood is a selfless and powerful act of compassion. But being a consistent, reliable donor starts with taking care of your own health first. Whether you’re donating for the first time or the fiftieth, it’s important to follow healthy blood donor tips to ensure a safe and successful experience every time.

Blood donation is more than just a good deed, it’s a medical process that your body needs to be prepared for. At The Blood Connection, we care about your well-being before, during and after your donation. That’s why we’re sharing everything you need to know to keep your health a priority while helping others.

Top Healthy Blood Donor Tips to Follow Before You Donate

Sticking to these healthy blood donor tips will not only improve your donation experience but help keep your body strong and ready for the next time you give.

Fuel Your Body with a Nutritious Diet

Iron-rich foods are essential for maintaining strong hemoglobin levels, which help your body carry oxygen. Aim to eat lean meats, beans, spinach and fortified cereals in the days leading up to your appointment. You should also include foods high in Vitamin C to boost iron absorption. Avoid iron blockers like coffee, tea and chocolate before donating.

Stay Hydrated

Drink extra fluids, especially water, 24 hours before your appointment. Staying hydrated will make your veins easier to access and speed up recovery. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate your body and slow down the donation process.

Get a Full Night’s Rest

Your body needs energy to replenish what’s lost during donation. Make sure you’re getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep the night before. Lack of rest can make you feel lightheaded or fatigued afterward.

Don’t Skip Meals

Eat a well-balanced meal within two hours of donating. Skipping meals can increase the risk of dizziness and nausea. Focus on complex carbs and protein for long lasting energy and blood sugar stability.

Know your Medications

Some medications are fine for donation, while others may temporarily defer you. Ash our team ahead of time or visit our eligibility page to learn more on what’s safe.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

Wearing clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up. This allows for quicker access to your arm and ensures you stay comfortable throughout the process.

By following these healthy blood donor tips, you can feel confident walking into your appointment knowing you’re physically ready to give the gift of life.

Healthy Blood Donor Tips to Follow After You Donate

Taking care of yourself after donation is just as important as preparing beforehand. These healthy blood donor tips can help your body recover quickly and keep you feeling great.

Take 10 Minutes to Refresh

Relax in our refreshment area for at least 10 minutes after you donate. You’ll receive drinks and snack to stabilize your blood sugar and energy levels.

Continue Hydrating

Fluids are important after donation. Drink extra water for the rest of the day to help your blood volume return to normal.

Skip Intense Workouts

Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours. Your body needs time to recover and regenerate blood cells.

Eat Iron-Rich Foods

Refuel your system with iron-rich meals and snacks to help restore red blood cell levels faster.

Monitor How You Feel

It’s perfectly normal to feel a little tired after donating, but if you feel lightheaded or unwell after leaving, sit down, hydrate and let someone know. Your well-being always comes first.

Your Health Makes All the Difference

Healthy donors are the foundation of a strong blood supply. By sticking to these healthy blood donor tips, you’re not just helping others, you’re showing up as your best self every time you give. At The Blood Connection, we’re grateful for every donation and every donor who makes them possible.

More Than a Game: South Carolina’s Biggest Rivals Unite to Save Lives

Every fall, South Carolina’s most passionate rivalry takes center stage—Clemson University v. the University of South Carolina (USC). This long-standing competition extends beyond the field and into the community. The Blood Connection (TBC) is challenging students, faculty and fans from both powerhouse schools to turn that team pride into something even more meaningful: saving lives.

Now in its 41st year, the annual rivalry blood donation challenge has become a defining tradition of compassion and community. From Monday, November 17 to Friday, November 21, both schools will host blood drives that not only bring out school spirit but also directly support hospital patients across the state. Every pint collected can save up to three lives, serving as a reminder that this rivalry’s biggest win happens off the field. 

Clemson Blood Bowl

For Clemson University, the Blood Bowl is more than a challenge—it’s a point of pride. The Tigers have consistently rallied their campus community to lead the charge for local patients, with students, staff and alumni alike showing what it means to be a part of the Tiger family.

“Every year, the Clemson Blood Bowl reminds us of what it means to be part of the Tiger Family,” said Ellie Cain, Alpha Phi Omega Blood Bowl Co-Chair at Clemson University. “From first-time donors to long-time participants, each story adds to a tradition of compassion and community that truly saves lives—and makes us proud to call Clemson home.”

Every donation collected at Clemson supports Upstate hospitals, where TBC provides lifesaving blood products to patients in need every day. Donors who participate will receive an exclusive Clemson v. USC Blood Bowl sweatshirt, a limited-edition collector’s piece for every Tiger who gives back, while supplies last.

USC Blood Battle

For Gamecocks, the Blood Battle is a chance to channel that fierce competitive energy into something that truly matters. Students, faculty and fans across campus are coming together to out-donate their rivals and make a lifesaving impact for patients right here in South Carolina.

“Through this friendly rivalry against Clemson University, our mission is to raise awareness of the constant need for blood, inspire our community to take action and demonstrate how a shared cause can bring people together to make an impact,” said Molly Wacaser, President of the Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive Committee at the University of South Carolina. “Every pint donated represents more than a point for Carolina—it’s a life saved, a family helped and a powerful reminder that compassion runs deeper than rivalry.”

Every donation made at USC directly supports patients at Lexington Medical Center and other local hospitals that depend on donors through TBC. Gamecock donors will receive an exclusive USC v. Clemson Blood Battle sweatshirt while supplies last—a bold reminder that giving blood is the ultimate show of team pride.

When Rivals Unite, Communities Thrive

The challenge between Clemson and USC are just one example of how friendly competition can fuel meaningful change. Each donation supports TBC’s mission to provide lifesaving blood products to more than 130 hospitals across the Southeast.

“At the heart of this rivalry is something greater than a game,” said Delisa K. English, President and CEO of The Blood Connection. “When Clemson and USC fans compete off the field, they’re proving that true champions show up for their community. Every pint donated helps save lives right here at home—and that’s victory we can all celebrate.”

Whether you’re a Tiger, a Gamecock or simply someone who believes in giving back, you can be a part of the movement. Step up, host a blood drive in your community and help turn school spirit into a statewide legacy of saving lives.

Salute to Save Lives: The Blood Connection Honors Veterans Through Lifesaving Donations

As Veterans Day approaches, The Blood Connection (TBC) is inviting communities across the Carolinas, Georgia and Virginia to turn gratitude into action. From November 7-11, every blood donation at a TBC Community Blood Center will not only save lives but also honor those who have served.

TBC’s “Salute to Save Lives” campaign celebrates the heroes who have given so much to our country. This year, TBC is donating $10 per donor to the Special Operations Patriot Fund, an organization providing vital medical care, counseling and recovery assistance to veterans and their families. Donors will also receive $40 in TBC Rewards as a thank you for their lifesaving contribution.

“When you roll up your sleeve during this campaign, you honor veterans and save lives,” said Delisa English, President and CEO of The Blood Connection and Veteran of the Alabama Air National Guard. “Each donation delivers a dual impact—it gives patients who are running out of options a second chance at life, and it provides vital resources to veterans who have already given so much.”

Every blood donation tells two stories of hope—one for a patient fighting for tomorrow and one in honor of a veteran who once fought for us all.

This November, let’s unite in gratitude and action. The most meaningful way to thank our veterans is to give the gift of life.

Join the mission. Schedule your appointment today at thebloodconnection.org

Blood Donation has a profound impact on communities, as a single pint of blood has the ability to save three lives. Every two seconds someone in the country needs a blood transfusion. This could be a trauma patient, a tiny baby fighting for life in the NICU or someone giving their all to beat cancer.

How to Donate

• Check Your Eligibility
  • To donate, you must be in good health, at least 16 years old (with parental consent if under 18), and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. Certain medical conditions and medications may affect eligibility, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local blood donation center.
• Prepare for Your Donation
  • Staying hydrated and eating a healthy meal before donating can help prevent dizziness and make the process smoother. Avoid caffeine and fatty foods beforehand, as they can affect your blood test results. 

The Donation Process

• Registration: You’ll fill out a quick form with your basic information and answer a few health-related questions.
• Health Screening: A technician will check your vitals, including blood pressure and iron levels, to ensure you’re ready to donate.
• Blood Collection: The actual blood donation takes about 8-10 minutes for whole blood. Other types of donations, such as platelet or plasma donations, will take longer.
• Recovery: After donating, you’ll rest for a few minutes and enjoy a snack to help replenish your energy.

Marcus Bowser on Recovering from a Motorcycle Collision

Written by: WakeMed Health & Hospitals

Riding motorcycles has been a lifelong passion for Marcus Bowser. The community of people he’s met with similar interests, the shared desire to do good in the community and the incredible views he’s experienced on his rides — have given him thousands of happy memories throughout the years.

For all the happy moments, Marcus faced one traumatic moment when on December 6, 2024, two days before his mother’s birthday, he was running errands, and a motorist ran a red light. The driver wound up in the intersection, colliding with Marcus’ motorcycle. He hit her right rear door and took flight — the motorcycle catapulting into the air. He fell to the ground and slid backwards, seeing his view of the collision grow smaller. He finally screeched to a halt 94 feet away from the location of the incident.

Serious Injuries

Marcus sustained significant road rash on his lower half. Unprotected from the motorcycle collision since he, coincidentally, was headed to exchange his defective safety pants for another pair. As such, he was not wearing them at the time — and the accident took place just one block away from his destination. Marcus also sustained an open book pelvic fracture, a broken left arm, an injured left wrist and abdominal and bladder damage.

Alert throughout the incident, once he came to a stop, several bystanders came forward. They urged him to relax and not move. Since he didn’t feel pain, he resisted their pleas — raising his right arm in front of his face to see that it looked normal. He then raised his left arm and saw that his wrist was about three inches back from its normal location. It was then he realized he was not fine.

“It was like a dream, and I quickly realized I was in shock. I attempted to sit up, but bystanders insisted I remain still until the ambulance arrived on scene.”

Several bystanders called 911. One bystander informed Marcus that he had witnessed the incident and knew that Marcus was the victim in the collision. He also encouraged Marcus to keep his eyes shut since he had glass on his face.

“I listened incredulous of the severity of my situation. I was grateful to learn later on that my helmet was not visibly damaged, and I had not suffered a head injury.”

A Swift Ride to WakeMed Raleigh Campus Level 1 Trauma Center

Emergency medical services technicians rushed Marcus to WakeMed Raleigh Campus Emergency Department. Upon arrival, he was immediately taken to imaging and received X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans to determine the extent of his injuries. He also had abdominal ultrasounds to determine the full impact to his bladder — since he was not expelling urine at the rate he should have been. Marcus was quickly established as a Level 1 Trauma Center patient.

Motorcycle Collision: Critical Blood Transfusion Needed

With significant blood loss from multiple, serious injuries, he required donor blood to save his life.

Considering the generosity of the stranger who gave freely, Marcus says, “Thank you so much for your lifegiving blood donation. It saved my life and made a huge impact. Because of your donation, I’m still here. I hope to recover completely and get back to some level of normalcy. I also now plan to become a blood donor, and my motorcycle group also intends to join together to participate in a blood drive.”

The Blood Connection works in cooperation with WakeMed Pathology Lab to supply blood for medical emergencies and illnesses.

Jon Tiller, one of Marcus’ donors comments, “Donating blood helps patients who have experienced traumatic injuries and illnesses. I give every two months, and it is a relatively easy process since blood centers and buses are available strategically throughout the area. It takes about seven to 10 minutes for the withdrawal, and the full process from start to finish takes about a half hour. Meeting Marcus felt really good. To know that blood donation was instrumental in saving his life following his collision made it clear to me why it is so important to be a donor.”

Following the stabilizing impact of blood donation, Marcus had to undergo repairs for his severe injuries — equally essential to his survival.

Surgeons Patch Marcus Back Together

“I underwent four surgeries in all.”

Timothy Harris, MD, a Wake Orthopaedics surgeon, addressed his open book pelvic fracture. He added an external fixator application to Marcus’ pelvis and bilateral sacroiliac screws to reconnect his pelvis to the triangular bone at the base of the spine. Later, he removed the external fixator and performed internal fixation, so his body could move again.

Dr. Harris confirms, “The blood transfusions and emergency surgeries performed by ortho and general surgeons were essential to save Marcus’ life.”

Trauma surgeon Amirreza Motameni, MD, completed a diagnostic laparoscopy, which converted to exploratory laparotomy by making two large incisions into Marcus’ abdomen to allow direct examination of the abdominal organs. He then used preperitoneal packing to control severe bleeding in his pelvic region, resulting from his pelvic fractures. This involved packing the space just anterior to the peritoneum with gauze, effectively controlling retroperitoneal hematoma.

Scott Moore, MD, a gastrointestinal and trauma surgeon, took Marcus back for exploratory laparotomy to remove previous packing and ensure no further bleeding.

Robert Howard, MD,  a Wake Orthopaedics trauma surgeon, performed open reduction and internal fixation for Marcus’s complex left distal radius and ulna shaft fractures. This surgery was necessary to restore anatomic alignment of his forearm and optimize his chance for full functional recovery.

Hope and Loss

His motorcycle family sent a helmet they’d signed as a get well soon reflection to give him hope for recovery.

Marcus was encouraged by these sentiments since the timing of the accident meant he missed a lot of important moments.

“I was in the hospital for my mom’s birthday, Christmas and New Year’s. This was difficult, especially because my motorcycle group and I had organized a toy drive for needy children, and I missed out on that.”

Plans for a Brighter Tomorrow

Eventually, Marcus will be transferred to a rehabilitation hospital once he has healed enough to be weight bearing.

His hope is to return to his blue collar work, navigating up and down in an assembly line and working with his hands to manufacture machines that vaccinate chicken eggs. The manager has assured Marcus that once he is well enough, they would love for him to return to work.

Thinking on the future of riding, Marcus realizes it could be a ways down the road. He is grateful for his many wonderful memories, experiences with his group and the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life.

About the WakeMed Trauma Program

From pre-hospital and emergency care to surgery, intensive care and rehabilitation, WakeMed’s Trauma program features a network of care and specialists who are dedicated to preserving life and getting patients on the road to recovery. A continuum of services support trauma patients, starting with EMS and our trauma surgeons to spiritual care, imaging, lab, neurosurgeons, orthopaedists, rehab specialists and more.

WakeMed Trauma Centers

As Wake County’s only provider of trauma services and a regional trauma referral center, our two trauma centers — a Level I Trauma Center at Raleigh Campus and a Level III Trauma Center at Cary Hospital — and the WakeMed Trauma teams are standing ready to provide immediate care for the seriously injured.

About Blood Donation

WakeMed has partnered with The Blood Connection to host community blood drives at various WakeMed locations. The Blood Connection is WakeMed’s blood product vendor, so your donations will directly benefit our patients. We hope you will join us in supporting The Blood Connection and our patients by donating at one of these upcoming blood drives! Register now to reserve your spot at one of our upcoming blood drives, or search for a blood drive near you on the Blood Connection’s site. As a token of appreciation, donors will receive a e-gift card from The Blood Connection.

[Become a blood donor].

About Wake Orthopaedics

For over two decades, Wake Orthopaedics has been serving the Triangle community with comprehensive orthopaedic care dedicated to help patients regain their mobility and restore their quality of life. With specialties and expertise in conditions of the bones, muscles and joints, our team of board-certified and fellowship-trained specialists utilize progressive treatments and state-of-the-art technology to care for everything from shoulder injuries and fractures to ACL injuries and arthritis. In addition to traditional orthopaedic services, Wake Orthopaedics provides Orthopaedic Urgent Care access on nights and weekends, physical and occupational rehabilitation services and sports injury prevention. Wake Orthopaedics is a WakeMed Physician Practice.

Three Percent: A Winning Play—Turn Super Bowl Energy into Lifesaving Power

A Game-Changing Opportunity for Blood Donations

The Super Bowl isn’t just about football—it’s about passion, unity, and the thrill of coming together for something bigger than ourselves. Now, imagine if that same energy could be harnessed to save lives, with just three percent of the population donating blood to make a life-saving impact.

More than 73,000 fans, plus players, staff and media personnel, will pack the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on game night. What if every single one of them donated blood? With only three percent of eligible people in the United States donating each year, the impact of a stadium full of donors would be an audible that could save over 225,000 lives across America this year!

Only Three Percent of Eligible Donors Are Meeting the Need

Blood Donation has a profound impact on communities, as a single pint of blood has the ability to save three lives. Every two seconds someone in the country needs a blood transfusion. This could be a trauma patient, a tiny baby fighting for life in the NICU or someone giving their all to beat cancer.

Why Only Three Percent Contribute Each Year

Blood donation is essential for saving lives, yet many eligible donors are not giving back—only three percent of eligible people donate blood annually. A contributing factor to this low participation rate is the misconceptions about the donation process and the belief that others will donate. Blood cannot be manufactured, so hospitals are forced to rely on the small percentage of donors who step up every year to keep up with the demand. This low percentage is a growing concern, especially during the winter months when donation rates typically drop.

Be a Playmaker

Take a moment to reflect on how you can give back. Blood donations are always in demand, but certain blood types are especially needed. O-negative blood is the universal donor type, meaning it can be given to anyone in emergencies. Meanwhile, Type O, A, and B donors are also crucial to maintaining a stable blood supply.

Donating blood is a simple yet powerful way to become the MVP by saving lives in your community. The process is quick, easy, and can make a lasting impact on patients in need. Here’s how you can donate and the types of blood that are most in demand.

How to Donate

• Check Your Eligibility
  • To donate, you must be in good health, at least 16 years old (with parental consent if under 18), and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. Certain medical conditions and medications may affect eligibility, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local blood donation center.
• Prepare for Your Donation
  • Staying hydrated and eating a healthy meal before donating can help prevent dizziness and make the process smoother. Avoid caffeine and fatty foods beforehand, as they can affect your blood test results. 

The Donation Process

• Registration: You’ll fill out a quick form with your basic information and answer a few health-related questions.
• Health Screening: A technician will check your vitals, including blood pressure and iron levels, to ensure you’re ready to donate.
• Blood Collection: The actual blood donation takes about 8-10 minutes for whole blood. Other types of donations, such as platelet or plasma donations, will take longer.
• Recovery: After donating, you’ll rest for a few minutes and enjoy a snack to help replenish your energy.

Types of Blood Donations

• Whole Blood Donation: The is the most common type of donation, where a pint of blood is collected and later separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets to help multiple patients.
• Platelet Donation: Platelets are crucial for cancer patients and those undergoing major surgeries. This type of donation takes longer but has a significant impact.
• Plasma Donation: Plasma helps patients with clotting disorders, severe burns, and immune deficiencies.
• Double Red Cell Donation: This method allows donors to give a more concentrated donation of red blood cells in a single session, which is especially needed for trauma and surgery patients.

This Super Bowl Sunday, consider making an impact beyond cheering on your favorite team. Donate blood and give someone the gift of life. Donate at the nearest Community Blood Center or Bloodmobile!