BUCYRUS — The Bucyrus Elementary administration hosts two blood drives each year but the one happening next week is a little different.
Diane Kaple, the school’s librarian, requested that the upcoming drive honor her brother-in-law, Steve Hoover, to help bring awareness to the everyday need for blood donations.
“Sometimes it takes someone you know who’s receiving blood units to remind you of the everyday need,” Kaple said. “It hits home with me because he’s my brother-in-law and also has connection with the school.”
Steve is the husband of retired Bucyrus school teacher and board of education member, Deb Hoover.
“My sister, Deb, is a retired teacher, literacy coach and current board member. Both of his kids are teachers at the secondary building,” Kaple said. “Steve has served as a volunteer for the school and a past Red Cross Board of Directors member.”
Steve is receiving chemotherapy treatments for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
“Chemo kills good cells with the bad, so they depend on transfusions to restore blood cells. Steve has received 11 units so far,” Kaple said. “The poster says seven, but he has received four more since the printing of the poster.”
Kaple said January is National Donor Month.
“I know one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to try to donate blood on a regular basis,” Kaple said.
The blood drive is Jan. 14 from 4-8:30 p.m. in the Bucyrus Elementary cafeteria, 245 Woodlawn Ave., in Bucyrus.
To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: BucyrusES.
While supplies last, coupons for a free six-inch sub at Subway will be given to donors.
