Lauren Schwab’s life was cut cruelly short, but her impact on lives around her continues to be profound.

The fifth annual Lauren Schwab Memorial Blood Drive will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11, both at St. Olaf’s Lutheran Church, 306 Second St. NW in Austin.

Schwab’s family established the blood drive as a way, said her sister Paiton, 17, to honor a sister who “was very caring of other people; she wanted to help as many people as she could.”

Lauren died suddenly in 2013 from complications of a pulmonary embolism, just four days before her 21st birthday.

It was a surprise to no one who knew her that she was studying to be a nurse; her displays of compassion and caring were evident in her work with a number of organizations, but especially on blood drives while still
in high school.

She was a Red Cross board member and volunteer; she was also a cherished nursing assistant at Sacred Heart in Austin.

Paiton said Lauren worked on the project to enlist 16-year-olds to give blood, which is allowed under Minnesota law if they have their parents’ written permission.

“Continuing this drive in my sister’s memory means so much to me — seeing the impact she is making in people’s lives even after she has passed away is unbelievable. I know this would make her so proud and happy,” said Paiton.

Paiton, along with her mom and dad, Beth and Pat, and brother Nathan, have helped with the blood drive over the years; Paiton was able to donate for the first time last year.

She encourages everyone to roll up their sleeves — the need is great, she said, in view of the donation shortage.

“And if you are there for the first time, I’ll be there to hold your hand,” Paiton said with a chuckle. “It will be the best time to donate for the first time — you’ll have lots of support.”

“The worst part is a quick pin prick, so don’t be afraid,” she urged, adding those donating should drink fluids and a good meal before they donate.

“Every two seconds, a patient in the U.S. needs blood transfusion,” said Sue Thesenga, communications manager for the Red Cross North Central Blood Services Region. “You never know when you or a member of your family will need a lifesaving blood transfusion. The simple act of donating blood can help families spend more time with their loved ones.”

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients, she said. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

To make an appointment to donate, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App; visit redcrossblood.org; or call 1-800-733-2767.

Other chances to donate blood

There are other opportunities to give donate in August

There are other opportunities to give blood this summer, to help overcome a chronic summer blood shortage.

To fully meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks, donations are urgently needed from new and current donors. Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and Power Red cells can be donated every 112 days.

As a special thank you, those who come out to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross now through Aug. 31 will be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard.

Appointments can be scheduled by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.

To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass.

Austin

Aug. 24: 1 to 7 p.m., Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 1600 W. Oakland Ave.

Aug. 26: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Family Video, 101 4th St. SW

Brownsdale

Aug. 15: 1 to 7 p.m., Our Savior Lutheran Church, 411 W. Main St.

LeRoy

Aug. 16: 1 to 7 p.m., Community Center, 204 W. Main St.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive.

To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.