One donation saves three lives: Give the gift of life at the Season of Giving Blood Drive



MILWAUKEE -- Donating blood is something Kaleena Nuedling has done since she was in college -- never thinking that she was a hero.

Kaleena Nuedling



"I said 'why not? I'm healthy and I have something to give,'" said Nuedling.

She had no idea she would one day understand the meaning of this gift. Her now five-year-old daughter Zoe was born with a heart defect.

Zoe has already had five surgeries and will eventually need a heart transplant.



"Honestly, we say that without blood donations she wouldn't be here with us," said Nuedling.

Zoe



That's why the BloodCenter of Wisconsin is asking you to participate in the Season of Giving Blood Drive.

"We'd like everyone to feel healthy, make sure they have a photo ID with them, and make sure you have a good breakfast and lots of fluids before you come in," said BloodCenter of Wisconsin Event Coordinator Tara Lagerman.

Season of Giving Blood Drive



People showed up throughout the day on Tuesday, December 29th to help, including Cathy Bauer who has been donating for decades.

"When I was young and my husband and I were first married, we didn't have a lot of money to donate to anything and it doesn't cost any money to donate blood," said Bauer.

One blood donation can save up to three lives.

Although it's not always fun, helping children like Zoe make it all worth it.

Season of Giving Blood Drive



"It's kind of like going to the dentist or going to church. You don't want to go, but you feel good when you're done," said Bauer.

The Season of Giving Blood Drive is taking place at the Peck Welcome Center at the Milwaukee County Zoo on Tuesday, December 29th and Wednesday, December 30th from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

You can make an appointment by calling 1-877-BE-A-HERO.

They are also accepting walk-ins.

You have to be at least 16 years old to donate.

Season of Giving Blood Drive



CLICK HERE to learn more about the Season of Giving Blood Drive.