Two friends recently overcame their fears for the benefit of the community. At 11:20 a.m., OSF St. Francis Hospital Community Relations Coordinator Joanna Wilbee-Amis and Northern Lights YMCA Community Wellness Director Nicole Fitch gave blood for the first time.
The donations were made at the first of a series of 2021 blood drives held by Guardian Flight & AirMedCare Network in partnership with The Community Blood Center (CBC). The blood drive took place in the Guardian Flight helicopter hangar.
“Partnering in this with way with OSF St. Francis Hospital and their Mission Partners (employees) is another way we support the communities our Guardian Flight aircraft and crews serve. These blood drives also allow Mission Partners and members of our community to get a behind-the-scenes peek at our Escanaba Helicopter operation while they donate blood,” said Membership Manager for AirMedCare Network Carrie Bartel-Petrin.
When the Fitch and Wilbee-Amis realized becoming a blood donor in 2021 was a goal they shared, they made a pact to do it together for accountability and support. Afterward, they agreed going through the experience with someone they related to definitely helped. Fitch’s husband Gordy also went along for moral support, and ended up donating as well.
Both women were nervous before arriving at the hangar, but said when they arrived, the friendly staff put them at ease. They also agreed the process was simple, quick and painless.
Leave a Reply