Devon Prep students give the gift of life

Devon Prep students, faculty and staff recently participated in the 2017 American Red Cross Blood Drive sponsored by the school’s Health Department and Christian Action Program (CAP). More than 35 pints of blood were collected during the Drive, helping over 100 people. Each pint of donated blood has the potential to save three lives. Devon Prep has sponsored a Red Cross Blood Drive for 26 years, collecting nearly 1,000 pints of blood in that time.

Inspired by his mother, a regular blood donor, Senior John DePalo of Downingtown, was happy to donate. “Giving blood is easy,” he said. “You’re helping people when you do it. It’s a good thing to do.”

In addition to donating whole blood that contains red blood cells, platelets and plasma, several of Devon Prep’s donors opted to participate in the Automated Red Cell Collection, where they provided two units of life-saving red blood cells during one donation.

Some four million people give blood each year through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. For more than 55 years, the American Red Cross has been an innovator and a leader in transfusion medicine and research. Started as a relief effort to provide lifesaving plasma and blood during World War II, Red Cross Blood Services has grown-collecting and distributing nearly half the nation’s blood supply and many therapeutic blood products.

Devon Prep Junior Joshua Jose of Media (left) keeps Sophomore Andrew Czachor of Newtown Square company as he gives blood during the school’s annual Red Cross Blood Drive.

Devon Prep Senior Jack Marquis of Wayne (left) congratulates fellow senior Wilson Camp of Spring City as he donated blood to the school’s annual Red Cross Blood Drive.

Devon Prep Senior Wilson Camp of Spring City (left), Sophomore Andrew Czachor of Newtown Square (center) and Junior Justin Chambers of Glennmoore donated blood during Devon Prep’s annual Red Cross Blood Drive. This year’s drive yielded over 35 pints of...

Devon Prep Senior Luke Farnsworth of Royersford (left) uses card tricks to entertain his classmate John DePalo of Downingtown as he gives blood during the school’s annual Red Cross Blood Drive.