Blood drive honors memory and volunteer spirit of Valerie Schindler Members of the community and students, faculty and staff are invited to “give for someone to live,” at the Fresno State Valerie Schindler Memorial Blood Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, May 3-4, at the University Student Union on the top floor.

The drive honors Valerie Schindler who graduated last May from Fresno State, winning magna cum laude honors and a bachelor of science degree in biology.

Last fall, while attending University of the Pacific Pharmacy School in Stockton, Schindler was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. She died Dec. 16 of complications from her chemotherapy.

Schindler loved her alma mater and Bulldog football. She was an active volunteer who helped numerous people throughout the community through work with the Fresno Food Bank, Civil War Reenactment Society and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Sid Craig School of Business students organized the blood drive on campus to ensure that there is a strong blood supply available to help patients throughout the San Joaquin Valley.

“None of us knows when someone we love, or know well, may need blood to stay alive. Valerie was one of us. Her story could be yours or mine,” said Ami Stout, a spokesperson for the Sid Craig group. “Please help, as Valerie would have, if anyone had asked her.”

Donors will receive a T-shirt and meet school celebrities. There will be door prizes as well as a variety of discounts from Valley businesses for dining, recreation and other goods and services.

The Central California Blood Center says blood donation takes less than one hour to complete.  Donors must be in good general health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old.  Donors should eat a good meal, reduce caffeine intake and drink plenty of water within 4 hours prior to donation.  Donors can give blood every eight weeks.  Photo ID and Social Security number are required at registration.

The Blood Center is the sole provider of blood and blood products for the 31 hospitals in Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings and Mariposa counties and must collect 5,000-6,000 pints of blood each month to meet the needs.

Additional details are available from the Central California Blood Center by calling 559.224.2900 or online at www.cencalblood.org/index.html.