The In Honor of Mickey Petela Blood Drive succeeded for the third year in a row on Sunday, February 18, as blood drive coordinator Jillian Petela worked with Blood Bank of Delmarva Account Manager Mary Moore to book 34 donors.
It was an excellent showing for the third annual In Honor of Mickey Blood Drive held in honor of Jillian’s father, Mickey Petela. Family, friends, and neighbors came out strong for the event.
“When Dad was in the hospital, I had a whole list of people who were willing to donate blood if he needed it,” Jillian said. “And, half of those people are here today.”
Among the donors were Sarah Geho, who brough along her boyfriend, Chandler Gonzales to donate as well.
“I’m very close friend with the family; I’ve known them my whole life,” Geho said. “They’re a second family, and Mary Ann (Mickey’s wife) has been as close to a mom as I’ve had. It means a lot.”
The blood drive also brought in random donors, such as Mechelle Rochester.
“I saw it on the news (6ABC) and said I’m not doing anything today,” Rochester said. “Why not?”
Learn more about Mickey’s story.
