Shenendehowa Rotary Proudly Joins Ballston Spa National Bank & American Red Cross Partnership To Help Save Lives

Shenendehowa Rotarians are asking local Clifton Park residents & businesses to join them in giving blood to the American Red Cross.

Shenendehowa Rotary is proud to join Ballston Spa National Bank in partnering with the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter to sponsor the “Have a Heart, Save a Life” Blood Drive. The drive is scheduled for Monday, February 11, 2008 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. This year, the drive will be expanded to two sites, located at the Ballston Spa Elks Lodge on Hamilton Street in Ballston Spa and Clifton Park Community Church, 516 Moe Road in Clifton Park. The “Have a Heart, Save a Life” Blood Drive is part of the “Give ‘n Take” Campaign, a series of high profile blood drives that spotlight the life of a local donor and recipient. Blood donor and Ballston Spa National Bank President and CEO, Christopher Dowd and blood recipient Chancellor Stubblebine will serve as honorary members of the drive and the “Give ‘n Take” Campaign.

“Ballston Spa National Bank has dedicated their support to the "Give ‘n Take" Campaign since its inception. Now in its fourth year, Ballston Spa National Bank is committed to saving more lives this year by expanding to two simultaneous drives. This drive serves as a wonderful example of how the corporate and non-profit sector can work together to meet a higher goal. We are proud of our continued partnership with Ballston Spa National Bank.” said Eileen Reardon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter.

Chancellor Stubblebine, a 7-year old cancer survivor knows first hand the importance of having an adequate blood supply that can help save lives. Chancellor, known among his friends as Chewy, demonstrates courage when dealing with his condition. Chancellor was diagnosed with T-Cell ALL (acute lymphocytic leukemia) in February 2005. In fact, February 8, 2008, will mark the third anniversary of Chewy’s chemotherapy treatments. Presently, Chewy is undergoing a maintenance program that consists of daily oral chemotherapy, monthly chemotherapy and ports and blood work and every three months a spinal tap, which is expected to continue over the next year.. With many treatments and long stays in the hospital, blood was the lifeline that kept Chancellor going. “We as a family have been touched by so many people, especially those anonymous donors who donate blood. It is because of blood donors and the American Red Cross that Chancellor is here today.“ said Terri Stubblebine, Chancellor’s mother.

“BSNB is proud to once again work with the Red Cross to support those in need in our area. Our employees will be volunteering their time by contacting previous donors to register for the drive. In addition, our employees will be donating blood on the day of the drive. With the additional location, we hope this year’s drive is an even bigger success” said Christopher Dowd, President of Ballston Spa National Bank.

This is one in a series of blood drives within the “Give ‘n Take” Campaign, which entails creating community based blood drives throughout the calendar year that highlight the importance of donating blood. But more importantly, our chapter recruits local recipients and donors within a specific community. Their personal story and personal connection to each designated community will serve as the emotional catalyst for individuals to donate. For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate blood at the “Have a Heart, Save a Life” Blood Drive sponsored by Ballston Spa National Bank, please contact Christy Shortsleeves at 792-8545 or shortsleevesc@usa.redcross.org.