Blood donation is the Wright stuff
For the Wright family, rolling up their sleeves to donate blood several times a year is a simple way of giving back and helping to save lives.
But it’s no easy feat getting all five family members together, considering daughter Zoe lives in Birmingham, Alabama, and sister Amanda lives in Washington, D.C. But the stars aligned when the daughters came home to Sagamore Beach for the holidays. The family soon coordinated schedules and set up appointments for Cape Cod Healthcare’s Blood Drive on December 2 at the Cape Cod and Islands Association of Realtors’ in West Yarmouth.
“We have always involved the family with volunteering over the years and donating blood was an easy way to help others and we try to do it together whenever we can,” said dad John Wright. “We enjoy doing things together and love that the donations save lives on Cape Cod.”
Mom Denise Wright, the driving force and inspiration for getting the family together for blood drives, has been donating blood since she was 20.
“Since I am O Negative, I know that it is very much in demand and I know I am saving someone’s life,” said Denise, who donates every eight weeks. “I like the concept of the blood staying here on the Cape.”
The Wright’s children started as soon as they were eligible to donate (age 16) at their high school blood drives. Amanda, 26, attended Bourne High School and Zoe, 25, and Zack, 23, both went to Sturgis East Charter Public School.
Senior Blood Donor Recruiter Jonathan DeCoste of Cape Cod Healthcare is grateful to the Wright family for donating together. There is always a need for blood donations—in particular Type A and Type O, he said. DeCoste organizes monthly blood drives around the Cape at police stations, schools, churches and businesses all year long. Donors are given $5 gift cards to Amazon, Target or Cumberland Farms as a token of appreciation.
Over the years, the Wrights have given back to their community in many other ways, too. They have participated in food drives for the Bourne Food Pantry; Denise and her daughters have run Relay for Life to raise money for the American Cancer Society; participated in the polar plunge into Cape Cod Bay on New Year’s Eve; and have laced up for numerous birthday runs along the Cape Cod Canal. They even organize an annual yard cleanup together at their grandmother’s house.
The Wright family believes donating blood through Cape Cod Healthcare provides a lasting impact and the donation process is a smooth experience.
“The staff is nice and friendly,” said Amanda. “And the snacks are delicious,” chimed in Zack. “It is not hard and requires a small amount of time to help others on Cape Cod,” added John.
For a list of upcoming blood drives near you and to make an appointment, please visit our online calendar here.
