Mixed martial artists may be tough, but that does not mean they have no heart. When Hurricane Sandy blew through New York it did not just hit land. It also hit the blood supply on hand for the New York Blood Center.
NYBC offers aid to the more than 20 million residents of New York, Long Island, Hudson Valley and New Jersey. They went through 6,000 units of blood and are in need of replenishment.
“We anticipated some of the potential effects of Hurricane Sandy and delivered blood in advance to our 200 partner hospitals,” said NYBC Vice President Rob Purvis. “Our first priority remains getting them whatever they need for the care of patients, including surgeries that had to be delayed. Plus – with the holiday season right around the corner – we’re in a tough spot,” Purvis added. “We need the help of our communities to recover and replenish the supply.”
New York Combat Sambo wants to respond in force and is calling on the community of New York’s martial artists show the honor their arts and systems instill in them by donating blood. They will be hosting a blood drive on December 27, 2012 from 3pm to 9pm.
They have asked for those who are not able to make it to donate to help promote the blood drive in whatever way you can. Post it to your status on Facebook. Send messages flying across the Twittersphere. Mention it to your students in the studios, in your blogs, on your websites, in your podcasts, on your radio and television shows, and anywhere else you think it will help spread the word.
New York Combat Sambo wants to beat the NYBC goal of 30 donors. Most martial artists do not mind a little blood being shed anyways. They cheer on the wounded fighters in the rings and cages across the land to keep on fighting. So, it should not be a problem to roll up a sleeve and offer the blood for a better cause, saving lives, than just for the glory and fun of it.
Don’t let the fact that you may not be a martial artists stop you from donating. If you are a boxer, fighter of any kind, or a regular citizen with no training of any kind, you can still help your fellow neighbors by donating the much needed blood.
Those who do donate at the New York Combat Sambo Drive are being offered a free mini-medical exam covering temperature, blood pressure and hematocrit levels. All donors must be healthy, at least 16-years-old with parental permission and weigh at least 110lbs.
If you wish to donate at the New York Combat Sambo Drive location then please let them know ahead of time, if possible, by calling them at 917-617-5650, emailing them at [email protected]. You can also register online through their Facebook page by searching for “NY Combat Sambo Drive” or by following this link: www.facebook.com/events/396549093751043/.
Anyone needing promotional materials should contact New York Combat Sambo. They have offered to get them sent out.
Cookies and juice will be provided for all donors.
New York Combat Sambo would also like to provide a small token of appreciation to blood donors on a first come first served basis. They are asking for donations of any martial arts related memorabilia or products to fulfill this wish. They ask that the donated items have a value of $25 or less.
New York Combat Sambo Address:
225 West 36th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10018
New York Blood Center Links:
www.nybloodcenter.org
www.facebook.com/newyorkbloodcenter
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