In May of 2015, North Lyon County Fire Protection District Chief, Scott Huntley, received a phone call he will never forget. He learned his then 27-year-old son, Derek, and Derek’s fiancée were hit in a head-on collision by a drunk, wrong-way driver in Sparks. Although he sustained life-threatening injuries, Derek survived the crash, but his fiancée and the driver responsible both died from their injuries. "It's still difficult to deal with, for sure and I still worry about him - even though he's been blessed. I still worry about the other families involved."
Derek – who is a father, too - had many broken bones and a lacerated liver. He needed 25 surgeries and countless blood donations.
Chief Huntley reports today, however, that Derek is walking again, he is back to work, and while his life will never be the same after the accident and tragic loss of his loved one – he is recovering. Chief Huntley is grateful for the first responders and doctors involved, along with all the generous blood donors who gave the gift of life. "My son was one patient who needed it and needed it badly and wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for it. So to give that gift is huge!"
This update comes as United Blood Services issues a public appeal regarding a critical blood shortage. UBS projects being more than 4,000 units short in July alone. At this time, all blood types are needed. Blood Type O negative (O-) is always in need because these donors are the universal blood donors, meaning their whole blood and red blood cell donations can help any patient even if the patient's blood type is different. First responders will use Type O- blood in an emergency situation where there is no time to assess the patient’s blood type.
The need is especially great in summer. UBS says that's when its supplies are especially low as many regular donors leave for vacation, but hospitals and patients still need the blood. Along with victims of accidents, the blood is also crucial for transplant surgeries and patients with cancers or blood disorders.
Our Give 2 Live Blood Drive is happening Wednesday, July 6th at the Atlantis in the Grand Ballroom on the second floor from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can just show up or fill out your paperwork ahead of time by clicking on the following link:
All donors will be entered into a drawing to win a new car. Last year we collected nearly 230 units of blood and we hope to beat that number tomorrow.
