American Red Cross, Boston Red Sox, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center invite community to give blood at Fenway Park on Sept. 11

Hundreds of donors expected to attend blood drive on 16th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

DEDHAM, Mass. (August 28, 2017) — The American Red Cross, Boston Red Sox and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center invite eligible blood donors to help save lives at the Day of Remembrance Blood Drive at Fenway Park on Monday, Sept. 11. This annual event honors the lives lost in the 2001 attacks, while giving people the chance to make a difference for hospital patients today. Since this blood drive began in 2002, nearly 11,000 blood donations have been collected. The event is also supported by the Honorable Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the City of Boston, Boston Police, Boston Fire, Boston Emergency Medical Services, Legal Sea Foods and Six Flags New England.

The Day of Remembrance Blood Drive has also become a meaningful way for local 9/11 families and survivors to mark the date with an act of community service. Maura Heidcamp of Plymouth was on the 55th floor of the North Tower when the building was struck. Her husband, Bob, was sightseeing and rushed back to the World Trade Center to search for his wife. Hours later, they reunited at a Red Cross emergency relief center. Maura says the moment she walked into the Red Cross shelter was the first time that day that she felt safe. “The Red Cross provided phones, food and medical care to anyone who needed it. That was very comforting,” said Heidcamp. “Attending the Day of Remembrance Blood Drive at Fenway Park is now a yearly event for me and my family, and always will be. This is a way we can not only remember and reflect on 9/11, but also give back by donating blood and possibly saving someone’s life.”

All who attend the blood drive can snap photos with the World Series trophies and enjoy a cup of chowder, courtesy of Legal Sea Foods. All those that come out to donate blood will receive a commemorative t-shirt, discounted Fenway Park tour, a coupon for discounted entry to Six Flags New England for the 2017 season ($20.17 off the Main Gate price) and a chance to win Red Sox tickets.*

Day of Remembrance Blood Drive
Fenway Park, Gate D
Yawkey Way, Boston
Monday, Sept.11 | 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Sponsor code: Fenway



How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification 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 blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

*Items are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.