By Rebecca Marshall, Cascades Communications Director

One of the most gratifying things you can experience at the Red Cross is people coming together to support someone who’s experienced trauma.  In the midst of the sadness, concern and hope, there is comfort in being able to do something.  We experienced that during a recent blood drive hosted by the City of Gresham when one of their firefighters was badly burned during a home fire response.

Spencer Tejeda rushed into a burning duplex on May 30, 2024 to rescue a child who was believed to be inside. He suffered severe burns over 45% of his body.  He spent 9 weeks in the ICU, had 7 surgeries and needed 70 units of blood. 

On August 2nd, his friends, family, fellow firefighters and even complete strangers showed up to donate blood in his honor.  They started to arrive at 9am and a steady flow of people came in until 3 that afternoon.

Gresham Fire Chief Lewis Scott Lewis had thanks and grattitude for the more than 85 people who signed up to donate.

“We always hear that blood donations are down in the summer months so this is a great way to bring attention to the need and do it on Spencer’s behalf,” says Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis. “Spencer really needed the blood when he needed it so it needs to be there for the next person as well.”

Spencer’s sisters also came to donate. They say their brother has had setbacks, but is getting better by the day.

There are so many good people in the world who want to help. I think he’d really be proud of his community.“  says Hope Tejedas.  “We’ve seen how blood donation can directly impact a family member and it’s saved my brother’s life.”  It’s a wakeup call for me.  I hadn’t donated in seven years so I’m going to definitely become a more frequent donor. Someone compared it to not just giving flowers on valentines day but doing it whenever you can.”

Firefighters drove from as far away as The Dalles, in their uniforms to donate.  One man hadn’t given blood in 20 years but was inspired to do so.  Others were giving blood for the very first time.  One donor said she learned about the blood drive on the news and had to make an appointment to come and give blood.  All were there to show their support and compassion for Spencer Tejedas.   

Spencer has a long road of recovery ahead of him but hopefully, the strong turnout at this event will inspire him.  It certainly inspired us. 

Red Cross Regional Donor Services Executive Angel Montes says this blood drive is a timely one because we are in a nationwide blood shortage. The supply has fallen more than 25% since July 1 and as a result, blood is coming off the hospital shelves faster than we can replenish it.

Our blood supply requires the generosity and willingness of humans to make this contribution.  Blood cannot be manufactured. Every 2 seconds someone in this country needs blood. You can make an appointment to give blood today by going to RedCrossBlood.org and make an appointment near you.  This donation will help thousands of people like Spencer who are recovering from trauma, or surgery, or illness. 

UPDATE: In all, 88 units of blood were collected at the Spencer Tejeda blood drive which was 133% of our goal. We are sending our thanks to all of you who donated at this drive, including the 27 who were first time blood donors! You truly are saving lives. Spencer Tejedas left the hospital in early September to continue his recovery at home.

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