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Schoessow Twins
Give Back
On Their Birthday
2023
Schoessow twins Abby and Caleb lead the way on
their 17th birthday, donating blood at the Zion Lutheran Church in Granton at
their 2nd Annual Blood Drive.
Edward DuBois/Clark Count Press.
By Edward DuBois
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs
blood.
March 28, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Granton,
a set of 17-year-old twins from Granton hosted their 2nd Annual Blood Drive with
the Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin to help combat the national blood crisis.
With efforts from Caleb and Abby Schoessow and
their parents, 60 people came to donate blood. The Schoessow twins began giving
blood as soon as they were eligible at 16 years old.
Once the twins were done giving blood, Caleb and
Abby Schoessow worked around the blood drive, doing thinks like helping check in
donators, observing donators giving blood and generally lend a hand where they
could.
For example, the twins checked on friend and
schoolmate Aiden Sternitsky after he gave blood, looking pale. The twins offered
to get him something nutritious to drink to stave off nausea and help him
recover.
Supervising the staff was Jamie Elmhorst,
carrying her newborn. Chili and other food was served to donators to help them
recover from donating.
The Schoessow twins had a goal of collecting 34
units of blood, which would impact over 100 lives. Due to their recruitment
efforts, 66 units of blood were collected, surpassing the twins’ goal by 32
units. Ideally, 219 residents in central Wisconsin will be impacted by this
selfless act.
One reason the twins chose the Versiti Blood
Center to host their blood drive was because Versiti is the sole supplier to the
Marshfield Medical Center, as well as over 50 hospitals in the area.
Caleb and Abby are grateful to everyone for
helping save lives in their community.
“We had 21 first time donors donate blood which
is fantastic,” Abby Schoessow said. “Our youngest donor was 16 years old and our
oldest was 80. This just proves that anyone can donate. We are hoping that this
one small act of kindness can become a habit.
“Giving blood with Versiti is one small way we
can make a huge impact in our community.”
“My grandparents came all the way from Texas to
donate blood,” Caleb Schoessow said. “It was such a selfless act to drive 1,200
miles and donate for the very first times in their lives.”
Katie Heiden of Granton was a first time donor
and after her donation, “I can’t believe how nervous I was for nothing,” Heiden
said. “If it wasn’t for blood donors several years ago, I wouldn’t be here
today. I am very glad that I was able to overcome my fears and donate so that I
can help save someone else’s life, like they did mine.”
Sheri Meissner had been a regular blood donor
back in college before taking a break, but decided now was the time to take it
up again. “It’s the right thing to do,” Meissner said.
The next Versiti community blood drive is
scheduled for Wednesday, June 6 at Zion Lutheran Church in Granton from noon–4
p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged.
People looking to donate can schedule an
appointment by visiting
Versiti
Blood Center of Wisconsin - Donor Portal
or by calling 1-877-232-4376.
Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI
April 5, 2023
Transcribed by
Dolores
M. Kenyon, April 5, 2023.
Web page by
James W. Sternitzky PhD,
April 6, 2023.
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