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Community Corner

BloodCenter of Wisconsin to Host 14th Annual Milwaukee Bucks Blood Drive

Donors can help patients like Dominique realize their dreams

BloodCenter of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Bucks are teaming up to save the day for patients in need.  The 14th Annual Milwaukee Bucks Blood Drive is on Tuesday, March 4. The drive will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, 1001 N. 4th St., Milwaukee. Donors may visit www.bcw.edu/bucks to schedule an appointment.

In gratitude to blood donors who are making a profound and positive impact on patients’ lives, the Milwaukee Bucks will give two vouchers for a future Bucks game to all attempting donors. The vouchers can be used for one of two games:

- Wednesday, March 5 vs. Sacramento Kings, 7 p.m.
- Monday, March 10 vs. Orlando Magic, 7 p.m.

Who will be the 6,000th donor?
Thousands of blood donors have attended the Milwaukee Bucks Blood Drive through the years. This year, the 6,000th donor to register will be recognized, and will receive a special Milwaukee Bucks VIP package. It will include: four lower level seats to the March 27 Lakers game, a photo with a Milwaukee Bucks player, and early entry and courtside seats for pregame warm-up. 

All attempting donors will also receive a limited-edition Bucks t-shirt along with complimentary childcare and free parking in the structure at 4th St. and Highland Ave.  

Members of the Milwaukee Bucks Dance Team and Bucks mascot Bango will be on hand throughout the day. Bucks players and coaches may visit following their morning practice.

Dominique is chasing his dreams, thanks to blood donors
Dominique, 22, has hopes of playing college basketball, and even playing professionally some day. Dominique was thrilled to be invited to a recent Milwaukee Bucks practice session. Watch the video: www.bcw.edu/bucks

“Basketball is my favorite sport — it just excites me. I love the atmosphere, especially when the crowd goes crazy during close-scoring games.”

But Dominique was born with cardiomyopathy, and just one month after his 21st birthday, he learned he would need a new heart.

A few months later, Dominique underwent one surgery, and then a second, to receive a life-saving transplant. In all, Dominique received 14 units of blood as well as platelets and plasma. 

Dominique is now back in college and is able to live out his dream to play basketball again. 

“My dream is to play in the NBA some day,” said Dominique. “I thank BloodCenter for giving me a second chance at life.”

To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376) or visit www.bcw.edu/bucks or m.bcw.edu on a mobile device.

Donations of all blood types are needed, but there is an especially great need for O negative donors. Anyone 17 or older who is in general good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to donate blood. Parental consent is required for 16-year-olds to donate. The entire process takes about an hour. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes birth date.

About BloodCenter of Wisconsin
BloodCenter of Wisconsin is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in blood services, organ, tissue and marrow donation, diagnostic testing, medical services and leading-edge research. BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the only provider of blood to hospitals in 29 Wisconsin counties as well as providing support to hospitals and patients across the country. BloodCenter of Wisconsin advances patient care by delivering life-saving solutions grounded in unparalleled medical and scientific expertise. For more information, visit www.bcw.edu.

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