The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage — especially serious for platelets and type O, A negative and B negative blood — and consequences can be fatal. There is no substitute for blood: When a patient receives blood in the hospital, it was given in advance by a generous donor.

You can help

On Tuesday, April 29, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., UCOP will once again host a blood drive for the American Red Cross in Lobby 1 of the Oakland Franklin building. All employees are welcome to participate. It doesn’t take long and your donation could help save a life. To donate, contact UCOP retiree Jan Kehoe to make an appointment that works with your schedule. Learn more about donating in Oakland.

UCOP colleagues who are making a difference

We asked UCOP donors to share why giving blood is meaningful to them — and their stories are likely to inspire you. Please say “thanks” next time you see them — and consider giving too, if you’re eligible.

Nathan Brostom, Chief Financial Officer

Nathan Brostom: Because people can die without a safe and reliable blood supply
“I give blood as often as I can because I have lived in countries around the world where people die without access to a safe and reliable blood supply. I would encourage my colleagues to give since the process is fast, the caregivers are warm and professional, and there is a demonstrable need for blood across our state.”
— Nathan Brostom, Chief Financial Officer

Trish Dolan, UC Finance Regents Coordinator

 Trish Dolan: For my community and my daughter
“I have been committed to donating blood since my college years to support my community and to be sure A-negative blood supplies are not lacking. However, on October 13, 2003, this commitment became deeply personal when my youngest daughter was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of five. During her treatment, she relied on numerous blood and platelet transfusions, which sustained her while awaiting chemotherapy. I am profoundly grateful for the care provided by Oakland Children’s Hospital and the blood bank for helping my child during a critical illness. The UCOP blood drive became popular when my daughter became the face for the cause. It is a privilege to donate blood as a way to honor her health, courage, and strength to fight cancer and WIN!”
— Trish Dolan, UC Finance Regents Coordinator

Caroline Holmes, Principal Counsel

Caroline Holmes: To ensure lifesaving care is available to those who need it most
“I donate blood because it is a simple yet impactful way to give back, support community health, and help ensure lifesaving care is available to those who need it most. I encourage others who are able to donate to experience the joy of making a meaningful gift to others—and to enjoy Jan’s tasty baked goods as an added perk!”
— Caroline Holmes, Principal Counsel

Steve Ong: Because of my mother
“I donate blood because my mom required multiple surgeries during her lifetime, and she required blood. As gratitude, I have been donating for about the last 10 years. It makes me feel good knowing that I’m helping out, and I encourage others to donate because people are always in need. Don’t be afraid. After the first needle prick, you don’t notice much, and as a bonus, Jan always bakes excellent cookies!”
— Steve Ong, Project Policy Analyst

Mey Saechao, Financial Service Analyst III

Mey Saechao: My blood is in high demand
“Donating blood is one of the easiest ways I can make a real difference in someone’s life — it takes so little effort on my part, but it can mean everything to someone in need. Knowing that I have O+ blood makes it even more meaningful, because it’s in high demand and can help a wide range of patients. If people are able and willing, I strongly encourage them to donate — beyond how simple it is, there’s an incredible feeling in knowing that a single donation can help save up to three lives.
— Mey Saechao, Financial Service Analyst III

Dan Scannell, Senior Manager of Information Practices

Dan Scannell: It’s easy to save a life
“For a minimal time commitment, you might save a life. It’s something kind you can do for someone you don’t know. C’mon! It’s so easy and takes a short amount of time. There are lots of appointment options to fit your schedule.  And tons of home-baked cookies and brownies to nosh on.”
— Dan Scannell, Senior Manager of Information Practices

Gale Sheean-Remotto, Senior Strategic Advisor

Gale Sheean-Remotto: It feels good to help, even if you don’t like needles
 “There is always a need for blood donors, and it is important to help if you can. It really is an easy way to make a difference — even if you are squeamish about needles like I am. I feel good about helping out in this very small way, and Jan — along with the Red Cross team — makes it turnkey-easy by coming to UCOP every few months. I also love Jan’s treats!”
— Gale Sheean-Remotto, Senior Strategic Advisor

Marisa Strong, Technical Program Manager

Marisa Strong: I enjoy being part of a community that makes an impact
“I donate blood because it is probably the easiest way to help someone in need and potentially save a life. I am a community-valued person and appreciate being a part of the community that makes such an impact on people’s lives. I also really appreciate how the Red Cross tracks where your donation goes and lets you know who benefited from your donation. That’s so cool!  You can receive a free mini screening, checking pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. Sometimes they check your A1C levels!”
— Marisa Strong, Technical Program Manager

Helena Weiss-Duman, Operational Excellence Manager

Helena Weiss-Duman: Because of my cousin
“My cousin had leukemia and needed many blood transfusions. If people hadn’t donated, she wouldn’t have had the care she needed. That’s always stayed with me. Donating is quick, easy, and very convenient at UCOP — and it truly makes a difference.”
— Helena Weiss-Duman, Operational Excellence Manager 

Lee West, Facilities Manager, UC Student Policy Center

Lee West: It’s a small act that creates a big difference
“I donate blood because it’s a simple way to make a real impact and potentially save lives. You never know when someone may need it, and being able to help in that moment matters. I’d encourage others to donate because it’s a small act that creates a big difference in our communities. It takes little time but can mean everything to someone in need.”
— Lee West, Facilities Manager, UC Student Policy Center 

Editor’s note: Almost all donors shared that UCOP retiree Jan Kehoe, who organizes the drives, is a key reason they keep giving — and not only to earn one of her delicious cookies! “Jan is incredibly generous in bringing this opportunity directly to us here at UCOP and making it so convenient to participate,” shares Marisa Strong.

Three cheers for Jan for continuing to give back!

Want to share why you give blood — or help the community in another way? Email link@ucop.edu.

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