Common Bonds

They are dedicated volunteers. Both lifesaving blood heroes. And both lived in San Rafael for most of their lives. Sharing these and many other common bonds, it should come as no surprise to find out that when Paul and Barbara Ware met on a blind date 60 years ago, they both hit it off.

“We met on a blind date in 1950,” said Paul, who was born in Healdsburg, CA. “We’ve been married for 59 years as of March!” Paul and Barbara now have three daughters, seven grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

Barbara began volunteering with BCP at the Marin Center about 20 years ago. “I retired in 1990 and began volunteering soon after,” said Barbara, who worked as a medical assistant at pediatric clinics and then at Kaiser. “I initially responded to the need for help in the canteen but went on to work on mobile blood drives mainly at high schools.” According to Paul, he joins Barbara on these mobiles and has been volunteering since 1995. He was also an apheresis ambassador who educated donors and the public about apheresis donations.

Sharing similar reasons for volunteering, Paul said, “I enjoy interacting with the donors and the staff.” While Barbara said, “I particularly enjoy volunteering at the high school blood drives. I want to help in any small way to make this a pleasant experience, as these young people are our potential blood donors of tomorrow.” Paul has also been active with the San Rafael High School Association since 1986, an organization that provides scholarships to students.

“Paul and Barbara are like the powerful duo of volunteering,” said Debbie Bingham, BCP’s Volunteer Supervisor. “They are both outgoing and dedicated, and we receive lots of positive feedback from donors and blood drive coordinators on their outstanding customer service and work.”

One of the memorable volunteer experiences Paul and Barbara share is of 9/11. “We received a call from the blood bank asking for our help. We thought they were asking us to donate,” said Paul. “But when we arrived, the parking lot and building were jammed with people. We were assigned the responsibility of pre-screening donors and doing temperatures, and maintaining some semblance of order. The next four days were long and hard but one of the most rewarding times of my life.” And Barbara agrees, “I think that was one of the most therapeutic experiences I have ever had. Just being able to do something positive during that terrible time.”

BCP thanks the powerful duo for their many years of time and service in helping support our work. Thanks Paul and Barbara!

Small Shoes, Big Footsteps to Follow

He’s a real proponent of blood donation.  He also just successfully organized a blood drive at White Oaks Elementary - no easy feat.  And oh yeah, he’s 10-years-old.

While BCP is proud of all our blood drive coordinators for their lifesaving roles, we’re most especially proud of Kyler Jerome—our youngest blood drive coordinator yet!

“From the moment we met with Kyler until the end of the blood drive, he was enthusiastic, engaged and completely excited about organizing his drive.” said JoEllen Myslik, BCP’s Account Representative. “I think he must have studied our ‘56 Facts’ (facts about blood donation) because he was quoting them to me on and off throughout the blood drive!”

A fourth-grader at White Oaks Elementary in San Carlos, Kyler chose to organize a blood drive for his Rite of Passage Experiences Program (ROPES) project, an optional student-centered and student-initiated enrichment activity that connects learning a brand new topic with real-life experiences.

“I chose to do a blood drive because I wanted to help raise awareness for the need of blood for children,” said Kyler, who hopes to be President of the United States or an attorney in the future. “Children can’t donate blood but some need to receive blood.”

Like any diligent blood drive coordinator, not only did Kyler work with JoEllen to create personalized flyers, had also obtained sponsors to support the drive and provide raffle prizes. In addition, Kyler and his twin brothers, Bradley and David, 13, spent their spring break asking business owners along the main street of San Carlos if they could post flyers in their store windows, and they sent out emails he drafted to all teachers and parents at White Oaks.

“Kyler really went above and beyond to make his blood drive a success,” said JoEllen. “He’s only 10 but a shining example for all the ‘grown-up’ blood drive coordinators to follow!” According to JoEllen, Kyler also worked at his drive checking in donors, informing them of paperwork that needed completing, as well as greeting them at the canteen after their donation to ask about their donating experience.

“I am extremely proud that Kyler took this project on,” said Kristin Jerome, Kyler’s beaming mother. “Our family has learned so much about the need for blood and everything that goes into the donation process. I wasn’t a blood donor until Kyler decided to organize this blood drive. Now I think, why wouldn’t I donate? It’s such an easy way to give back to those in need.”

According to JoEllen, the blood drive was truly a family affair. “Kyler’s mother was especially supportive throughout the whole process,” she said. “Kristin and Bradley baked delicious cookies for the donors, Bradley and David provided childcare for parents who came in with younger children and on top of that, dad, mom and grandmother all donated blood too!”

And Kyler’s dedication paid off. His blood drive was a success and yielded 27 pints of blood and a double red cell, donated by Kyler’s father!

“I liked working with Miss Jo because she is always cheery and happy,” said Kyler on what he liked about organizing blood drives. “I want to make this an annual event to organize with my family because it’s a good way to help my community.”

Kyler’s tip for a successful blood drive?

“Send your message out to as many people as you can and have fresh homemade cookies for your donors.”

BCP salutes Kyler, and the support of his family, for their hard work and commitment to helping save lives!