By Aleesia Benkey, American Red Cross intern

In 2020, Mikie Guerrero was in a serious vehicle accident, and in the first 24 hours of his emergency care, he required 32 units of blood and a total of 64 units throughout his treatment.

Three years later, Mikie continues his path of recovery. As a thank you to the blood donors that helped provided Mikie lifesaving blood products, Mikie and the Guerrero family hosted the “In Honor of Mikie Guerrero Blood Drive.” The date marks the anniversary of the terrible accident and turns it into a life-changing day offering hope and healing to hospital patients in need of blood products.

Thanks to the family and friends that rolled up their sleeve, the blood drive collected 55 units, reaching 138% of goal. Out of the 53 eligible blood donors, 31 were first-time blood donors.

Mikie and the family plan to continue to raise awareness about the importance of blood donations by making their lifesaving blood drive an annual event and have already scheduled next year’s drive.