NEWS RELEASES
11/09/06 News Release
MEDIA CONTACTS: Sara O'Brien, American Red Cross, (510) 594-5205; Michelle Bussenius, Stanford Blood Center, (650) 723-8270
Big Game Inspires “Rivals for Life”
Mayors kickoff competition for blood donors between Cal and Stanford
Palo Alto , Calif./Oakland, Calif.— For more than a century, the Big Game between the Cal Bears and the Stanford Cardinal has inspired fan frenzy and a host of game-related traditions. One of those traditions involves bloodshed — but in a good way.
“Rivals for Life” is a drive for blood donations throughout the Bay Area. On Nov. 13 at 2:30 p.m., Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates and Palo Alto Mayor Judy Kleinberg will read city proclamations challenging their residents to participate. Bates will be at the American Red Cross, 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland, and Kleinberg will be at the Stanford Blood Center, 3373 Hillview Ave., Palo Alto. “This is a great idea for an outstanding cause,” Kleinberg said.
From Nov. 13 through Dec.1, donors to the American Red Cross and Stanford Blood Center may designate their favorite Big Game team and enter a contest to win autographed footballs and jerseys. Over the past 10 years, this competition has evolved from a campus-only contest to one that encompasses the entire Bay Area. Both blood banks are hoping fans will be inspired to participate as the blood supply typically dips dangerously low during the coming winter holidays.
One young man who knows the importance of blood on the shelves is Cal Bears offensive tackle Mike Tepper. As the result of a violent attack on a Berkeley street last year, the sophomore lost a tremendous amount of blood as his foot was nearly severed. “Come out and support this effort,” Tepper urged. “Donors like you helped save my life.” Fortunately, his foot was saved and he is now healthy enough to take the field again.
Donating is safe and easy, and most healthy people are eligible. You must be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds and be in general good health. American Red Cross blood centers are located in Newark, Oakland, Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton and San Jose. The Stanford Blood Center has collection facilities in Mountain View and Palo Alto. Both organizations hold blood drives throughout the Bay Area. To make an appointment or find mobile drive locations, contact:
American Red Cross
1-800-GIVE-LIFE 1-888-723-7831
www.BeADonor.com
Stanford Blood Center
http://bloodcenter.stanford.edu
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The Stanford University School of Medicine consistently ranks among the nation’s top 10 medical schools, integrating research, medical education, patient care and community service. For more news about the school, please visit http://mednews.stanford.edu. The medical school is part of Stanford Medicine, which includes Stanford Hospital & Clinics and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. For information about all three, please visit http://stanfordmedicine.org/about/news.html.
