DETROIT – Ford Field saw some action Saturday, but not on the grid iron. Instead, the venue turned into a backdrop to help save lives.
Stadium lights revealed who were the MVP’s of the day -- like Charles Wejroch.
“It’s easy enough for me to do it,” Wejroch said. “I don’t have a problem donating. I think it’s a great way to give back to people who might need it down the road.”
His father, just a few seats away. Not exactly the sort of father-son bonding you’d expect to see at Ford Field.
“I actually have a genetic condition known as hemochromatosis. I absorb too much iron,” Eric Wejroch said.
So does his son. Instead of bloodletting, they donate knowing they’re not only managing their health but saving lives.
“All blood types are always important but O-Negative and O-Positive seem to be the ones that we just can’t keep a stable strong inventory of,” said Kaila DiNallo, regional manager of Versiti Blood Center of Michigan
It’s why Versiti Blood Center of Michigan partnered with the Detroit Lions to host the One Pride Blood Drive again.
Donors received a limited edition of a One Pride Blood Drive long-sleeve shirt and $25 e-gift card.
The blood supply takes a hit during the summer and holidays, primarily because about a third of donors consists of high school and college students.
In July, the partnership collected nearly 200 units at its drive.
Versiti told Local 4 how one donation can impact up to three lives and all donations stay in Michigan.
“I usually get an email a week or two afterward telling me where it went. Usually, I don’t know why, but it seems to go to the west side of the state,” Eric Wejroch. “So, that’s good.”
