Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Schoessow
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 2/22/2023
Granton-Twins Host Blood Drive on Their Birthday (2023)
For their 17th birthday, Caleb and Abby Schoessow of Granton
will host a blood drive at the Zion Lutheran Church. Submitted photo
Central Wisconsin continues to face a shortage of blood and two Granton teens are wanting to help combat this national shortage.
Last year, twin siblings Caleb and Abby Schoessow hosted a successful blood drive that collected over 50 units of blood and are hosting another blood drive on their 17th birthday, March 28 at Zion Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod), W2894 Granton Rd., Granton, from noon to 5 p.m.
The twins have a goal of collecting 34 units of blood, which would help 102 people in need of blood. Caleb and Abby are working with the Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin. They are the sole supplier to the Marshfield Medical Center as well as over 50 hospitals in Wisconsin.
The Schoessow twins also gathered facts related blood drives. Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. One pint of blood can help three patients in need. It takes about an hour to donate blood.
The minimal age limit for donating blood is 16 years of age (with parental consent) and there is no upper age limit. The Schoessow twins would like to give gifts to the youngest donor and the oldest blood donors.
The Schoessow twins, juniors in the Granton Area School District, have personal reasons for wanting to hold their 17th Birthday Blood Drive.
“My family is big on giving back to the community and I saw the impact a blood transfusion made on my mom’s life,” Caleb Schoessow. “When she had cancer, she was in the hospital and needed a blood transfusion. If someone hadn’t donated blood this life saving gift, my mom might not have come home to us.”
Abby Schoessow was interested in hosting the blood drive for their 17th birthday again because of last year’s success.
“Last year we didn’t really know what to expect or how many people would show up,” Abby Schoessow said. “It means so much that our community can come together and do something good for others.
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were able to duplicate or increase our efforts from last year? Think about how many children and adults could be impacted because of someone’s selfless act!”
“I said it last year and it still holds true,” Caleb Schoessow added, “there is nothing greater you can give someone than the gift of life.”
A blood donor card or driver’s license 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.
High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Walk-ins are welcome and appointments are encouraged. To register for Caleb and Abby Schoessow’s 17th Birthday Blood Drive, call 877-232-4376 or visit tinyurl.com/3fvj48fw.
Those unable to find a time slot that meets their needs may reach out to Courtney Schoessow at 715-937-0856.
