By Ellen Heddendorf
Katie Proskovec of Fremont, Nebraska, helped save lives by hosting an American Red Cross blood drive and earned a $1,000 scholarship as a result of her lifesaving efforts. Part of the Red Cross Leaders Save Lives program, the Fremont High School student hosted a blood drive at First Lutheran Church on January 7, which collected 46 blood donations.
As a result, Proskovec was eligible to be entered into a drawing for a scholarship and was chosen as a winner. She was also awarded a gift card. Proskovec, a junior with plans to become a pediatric oncologist, expressed her gratitude for both the scholarship and the opportunity to host the blood drive. “Being able to help people and save lives makes you feel really good,” she said. “You make a positive impact in the lives of patients and their families.”
Proskovec knows first-hand about the impact of blood donations, as her sister received blood
and platelets while battling cancer. “I wanted to be active in a blood drive because of my sister
Renae,” Proskovec said. “The blood and platelets she received improved her health and helped
extend her life. I wanted to help others, since so many helped my sister.”
The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded high school and college
students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply for patients in need of lifesaving
transfusions. Students can sign up to host Leaders Save Lives blood drives during seasonal timeframes throughout the year. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/LeadersSaveLives.