DAYTON — Every two seconds someone needs blood in the United States and the number of blood donors is very low this time of year. That’s something that is personal to Miss Ohio USA.
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Macy Hudson was crowned Miss Ohio USA in May. She’s spent a lot of time in the community, but blood donation is a cause that’s personal to her.
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Hudson’s sister, Moriah Hudson Burrage, died unexpectedly in 2021. She had a rare blood condition and often required blood transfusions.
“Those blood transfusions were only made possible because of the people who donate blood,” she said.
That’s why she started 5:18 4Life, putting together blood drives with her family in honor of her late sister. Their next blood drive is on Jan. 3 at Revival Center Ministries in Dayton. It’s one day before Moriah’s birthday.
“It’s something that we can do for free and we’re saving multiple lives,” Hudson said.
It comes at a time when there is a serious need for blood donation.
“People aren’t giving blood this time of year as much as they are other times of the year,” Marita Salkowski, Regional Communications Director of the American Red Cross, said.
As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00, Salkowski said the need for blood donation never goes away, even during the holidays. Her suggestion is to make donating blood part of your family’s holiday giving.
“Make a gift of life. Donate blood and you can save somebody’s life in the process,” Salkowski said.
Someone like Hudson’s sister. She told News Center 7 that blood donors helped Moriah live her life to the fullest and now they hope people donate to help others just like her.
“I love my sister. I really miss her, and this is how I honor her,” Hudson said. “And this is how you can honor her, too, and give back.”
You can sign up for the Jan. 3 blood drive, as well as other blood drives, here.
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