This January, Ross Medical Education Center in Roosevelt Park, Michigan once again joined forces with Michigan Blood. This time they were working to help a past Ross Roosevelt Park Medical Assistant program graduate and her family. The husband of Ross graduate Clorissa Dekuiper was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year. However, things went from bad to worse when he suddenly passed away from complications. Clorissa and their son were devastated and did not have the funds to pay for the medical expenses and funeral costs after this tragedy. That’s when the Ross Roosevelt Park campus stepped in to help.
They hosted a blood drive to try to help other families and individuals who find themselves in life-threatening situations. Also, for every registered donor at the drive, Michigan Blood donated $10 to the family. Throughout the course of the drive, 17 individuals registered to donate blood. Although three were deferred, the campus was able to collect and donate 14 units of blood and $170 from the Michigan Blood donations.
The impact will be felt from their generosity. “Because each individual donation can save up to three people’s lives, 42 Michigan lives will potentially be saved due to your efforts at this blood drive!” Michigan Blood Donor Recruitment Representative Anita Shepard said. “We couldn’t do it without great organizations like yours who consistently make it possible for your students to support our life saving mission.” Clorissa and her son came to campus to personally thank those that donated and to pick up the funds. Clorissa was very thankful and appreciates all that Ross has done for her both as a student in the classroom and even after as a graduate and a member of the Ross family. Many current students also expressed how grateful they were to be a part of taking care of a former student and how they realized that the Ross family would also be willing to take care of them.