2010 Inductees to the Fenwal Blood Donation Hall of Fame

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Fenwal, Inc., a global medical technology company focused on improving blood collection, separation, safety and availability, announced today the names of 16 inspiring individuals inducted into the company's 2010 Donation Hall of Fame.  

For more than a decade, Fenwal has partnered with blood centers to recognize people who can serve as an inspiration to others in assuring medicine's most vital natural resource -- blood -- is available for trauma victims, people undergoing critical surgeries and patients receiving therapies for cancer, leukemia and other medical conditions.  Blood is a life-saving resource that is always needed, and it costs nothing to give.  

Inductees are chosen based on their commitment to blood donation, whether by directly giving blood or by organizing drives and special events that recruit blood donors.  Each inductee's story is a testament to the need for blood, and the personal reward of knowing your donation is making a difference in people's lives.

"As you think of ways you can give back this year, remember blood donation," said Ron Labrum, president and chief executive officer of Fenwal.  "Giving blood is a gift for which patients and their families will forever be grateful.  It is our honor each year to recognize those who can serve as an inspiration in supporting this life-saving cause."

Since there is no substitute for human blood, hospitals and patients rely on volunteer blood donors for blood transfusions, like those celebrated through the Fenwal Donation Hall of Fame.  

On average, more than 38,000 units of blood are needed every day throughout the United States.  One accident victim may need up to 100 units of red blood cells.  Every day thousands of people throughout the United States donate blood to help others, making blood donation one of their "charities" of choice.  Their donation saves and improves lives every day.  

This year's inductees cover a wide range of ages, and each has a unique story to share.  Some were the recipients of blood transfusions and are now passionate advocates for blood donation.  Others have overcome adversities of their own, and want to give back in a meaningful way to their community.  Some have been faithful blood donors for decades.  Some are young donors championing the cause in high schools to recruit the next generation of donors.

The 2010 inductees are:

• Lizzie Bell, nominated by American Red Cross, Tucson, Ariz.
• Kyle Brouhard, nominated by American Red Cross, Charlotte, N.C.
• Ronald Decker, nominated by Robertson Blood Center at Fort Hood, Texas
• Alexander C. Frye, nominated by American Red Cross, West Henrietta, N.Y.
• Michael Fulkerson, nominated by United Blood Services, Albuquerque, N.M.
• Larry Harman, nominated by Central Illinois Community Blood Center, Springfield, Ill.
• Penny Leake, nominated by Coastal Bend Blood Center, Corpus Christie, Texas
• Jim McAvoy, nominated by American Red Cross, Oakland, Calif.
• Joshua W. Merritt, nominated by American Red Cross, West Henrietta, N.Y.
• Mark Sanders, nominated by Oklahoma Blood Institute, Ponca City, Okla.
• Rutgers University Blood Drive Committee: Dorothy Kozlowski, Paul Fischbach, David L. DeHart and Stephan Pappas, nominated by New Jersey Blood Services, New Brunswick, N.J.
• Jessica Vega, nominated by United Blood Services, Carson City, Nev.
• Sue Zebell, nominated by Carter BloodCare, Bedford, Texas

About Blood Donation

When donating blood, people give a pint of whole blood, or donate a specific blood component via an automated system.  With whole blood, further processing is required to separate the unit into its therapeutic components--typically red blood cells, platelets, and plasma.  When donating on an automated system, donors typically give the same amount of blood, but more of the component that is in highest demand depending on their donor characteristics and blood type.  

Approximately 14.5 million units of red blood cells, 10 million platelet units and 4 million units of plasma are transfused annually in the United States. To make a blood donation or to learn more about donating blood, please contact your local blood center.  To learn more about this year's Donation Hall of Fame inductees or to submit a nomination, please visit www.fenwalinc.com.

About Fenwal

Fenwal, Inc. is a global medical technology company focused on improving blood collection, filtration, separation, storage and transfusion to ensure the availability, safety and effectiveness of blood components.  Fenwal is unique in the depth of its experience and commitment to transfusion medicine.  The company offers the broadest range of products for the automated and manual collection of blood and blood components.  Fenwal became an independent company in 2007, but its roots go back to 1949 with the founding of Fenwal Laboratories.  Fenwal developed the first flexible, single-use container for blood collection, eliminating complications associated with glass containers and allowing blood to be separated into therapeutic components.  Today, the company's products and advanced collection and separation technologies are used to help treat patients on six continents.  Fenwal, Inc. is based in Lake Zurich, Illinois.  For more information, please visit www.fenwalinc.com.

SOURCE Fenwal, Inc.