On June 22, 75 Kent County high school students and family members gathered at the Main Donor Center in Grand Rapids for the Donor For Life Award ceremony honoring young donors who have donated blood six or more times before graduating from high school. Earning the Donor For Life Award is hard because students can't start giving blood until age 17 and don't have a lot of time to achieve six donations before their graduation date, as they must wait at least 56 days between donations.

One student who received the award, Kari Everett, was not able to attend the morning ceremony yet took the time later that day to come in and give blood – her tenth blood donation. A shy, soft-spoken Kent City High School graduate, Kari gives blood because she just likes to help and be involved in the community.

Dr. LeeAnn Weitekamp, Michigan Community Blood Centers medical director, expressed thanks to high school Donor For Life Award winners and their families at a ceremony on June 22 in Grand Rapids, during a blood drive sponsored by WKLQ radio.

“And it’s something I can do on my own to help save lives,” she points out. “It doesn’t cost money, it doesn’t take a lot of time, and it’s a good thing to do.” The 19-year-old Kent City High School graduate hopes to find part-time employment this summer and plans to attend Olympia Career Training Center this fall, to study massage therapy. She wishes more teens would become blood donors, but acknowledges some may be put off by the thought of a community service that involves needles.

“I’d like them all to know that giving blood doesn’t hurt, and they shouldn’t be scared,” Kari says. “It’s easier than you think.” Kari, who became a blood donor because “it was the right thing to do,” has a good track record for persuading others to donate: “I even have my mom donating blood now!”

Earning the Donor For Life Award requires commitment and discipline. “Like many other young donors, Kari has a lot going on in her life and it isn’t always easy to take the time and effort to give blood,” says Blood Center recruiter Anne Lowery. “Kari is such a great example of what a terrific contribution a young person can make if they choose to focus on a positive goal.” On behalf of all the people in the community who need blood, we salute Kari and all our other teen donors. It’s About Life – and life is better because Kari and other young donors like her care enough to help save lives by giving blood.

© Michigan Community Blood Centers