St. Mary Knights of Columbus Blood Drive A Success

St. Mary Catholic Church parishioner Louis Schutt was a volunteer at the Knights of Columbus’s weekend blood drive, but he also served as an inspiration to blood donors.

A year ago, Schutt began bleeding internally. He was losing a lot of blood and doctors could not pinpoint the cause. Schutt was finally diagnosed with a stomach aneurysm. He needed 17 units of blood during a surgery that removed half of his stomach and a second surgery_ a bypass_ a week later.

“If it wasn’t for Heartland (Blood Centers) and the Knights, it wouldn’t be here. They saved my life,” Schutt said.

“I’m here thanks to blood donations,” said Schutt, a Knight who has always donated blood prior to his illness.

“I tell him he’s had two oil changes,” said Bill Byrne, past grand knight and blood drive organizer. Byrne voluntarily wore Heartland’s mascot outfit, Charlie Corpuscle, during the drive. He even posed for photos.

The Knights’ hold blood drive four times a year. The latest one was held on Saturday at St. Mary Church. Bryne said the blood drive drew 111 donors, making it a good turnout.

Each blood drive averages 100 units of blood donated to Heartland Blood Centers. Heartland’s mobile unit comes out to the Dundee Road church to collect donations. Each unit saves three lives, said Nina Ghufoor, Heartland team leader. The blood is delivered to hospitals throughout the region, she said.

The summer blood drive drew the regulars, like Frances Kreutzer, along with new donors. Kreutzer has donated the most blood in the parish according to church records, said Byrne, her son-in-law.

Jan Cline came out to donate blood in memory of her friend, Joe Mueller of Morris, who recently died of leukemia. Cline said Mueller often had to use donated blood during his illness.

“I get teary eyed,” Cline said, as she spoke of her friend. “I thought it was a good tribute to him.”