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Media Center Central Ohio man wins top Red Cross Racing prize
Columbus, OH – The name of Mount Vernon resident Jim Fiecoat has been drawn from more than 28,000 blood donors across the country to win an all-expense-paid trip to the North Carolina NASCAR race on Sunday, May 24. Fiecoat’s prize package includes two tickets to the race in Charlotte, hotel and air fare, pit passes, and a $200 Visa card for other travel expenses – all for rolling up his sleeve to give blood with the American Red Cross through the national Red Cross Racing program.
Fiecoat’s prize was a long time coming, as he has been a dedicated blood donor for more than 35 years. “My first donation was in my late teen years,” he said. Shortly after his first donation, his own grandfather needed a blood transfusion as part of a surgical procedure. Fiecoat was a direct match, and therefore was able to donate directly for his grandfather. “It was then that I began to understand the need and importance of donating blood,” said Fiecoat. Later on in life, his own wife and mother also needed blood transfusions. “I am so thankful that someone else had the compassion to donate to meet both of their needs,” he said. With blood donor pride already flowing through his veins, Fiecoat didn’t need an extra incentive to continue to give, but when he heard about the Red Cross Racing program, he jumped on board. He and his colleagues at Diamond Innovations put together a Red Cross Racing donation team, which competed with other teams across the country to give the most blood products. His team actually ended up winning the competition. “I know I can speak for our entire team in saying that it has been a lot of fun and so personally rewarding, more so than any and all opportunities relating to the winning of sweepstakes campaigns and promotional prizes.” Beyond the great prize that Fiecoat has won, he sees other rewards in his efforts to give. “Donating is certainly a life changing experience, for both donors and recipients!” he said. “The need for blood is at an all time high. It can not be manufactured, and can only be obtained through the willingness of those concerned enough to give life to another.” With so many donations under his belt, Fiecoat feels good about helping others in need. “I often wonder where the units of blood that I have donated might have been used – possibly in procedures to save the lives of infants, servicemen, teenagers, the elderly, both young and old alike.” Fiecoat will enjoy his Red Cross Racing prize this week, and will keep on rolling up his sleeve to help his community because while the race ends, the need for blood doesn’t. Others interested in the Red Cross Racing program can visit redcrossracing.com for more information on donation opportunities and prizes. How to Donate Blood: To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.BloodSavesLives.org for more information. If you are at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification. About the American Red Cross: The Central Ohio Blood Services Region serves 27 counties, and needs to collect about 650 pints of blood each day to meet patient need in 39 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts. 05/09AP519 |
Media contacts Central Ohio Rodney
J. Wilson Heather
Reichle Other Red Cross National |
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