In anticipation of the biggest snowstorm since February 2010, Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) moved the “In Honor of Mickey Blood Drive” from Sunday, January 25 to Saturday, January 24. Mickey Petela suffered second- and third-degree burns to 73 percent of his body on April 29, 2021, and spent three months sedated at Crozer Burn Center in Upland, PA.
“I used 35 units of blood while I was in the hospital, six in one day, and every year we do a blood drive to try to give back,” Mickey said.
The fifth annual drive brought in 24 blood donors before the snowstorm dumped more than eight inches of snow on New Castle County, DE on Sunday.
“January is National Blood Donor Month, so we try to host in January to replenish what we’ve used. We’re very grateful for the heroes, people who donate blood.Without the blood, he wouldn’t be here,” explained Mickey’s wife MaryAnn.
President Nixon declared January as National Blood Donor Month 54 years ago to raise awareness about the fact that winter weather–including last weekend’s snowstorm, seasonal illnesses, holiday travel, and other factors combine to cause a decline in donations. However, the demand for blood does not go away.
Thank you to blood drive coordinator Jillian Petela, Mickey and MaryAnn’s daughter, and all of our BBD staff on another successful blood drive!
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit delmarvablood.org or call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8.
