September 3, 2004

Casting a vote has never been so easy

There are no protesters, tight security measures or politicians making grand speeches at large convention halls. Only smiling employees, generous donors and grateful patients can be found at the fourth annual MGH vs. BWH Blood Donor Challenge, being held from Aug. 23 to Sept. 10. In tribute to the 2004 presidential election, this year's challenge has a political theme with "Cast your Vote" as the slogan.

The challenge is a friendly competition among the MGH, BWH and hospital affiliates. Donors receive a 2004 challenge t-shirt and can participate in fun activities for the three-week challenge - such as a make-your-own ice cream sundae bar, a pancake breakfast, pizza parties, professional massages and chances to win one-night stays at the Boston Common Ritz Carlton, the Tremont Hotel, the Marriott Long Wharf or the Charles Hotel.

As Hotline goes to print, polls indicate that the MGH is leading. "The challenge is great this year. So far, we've had more than 40 new first-time employee donors who have helped us get closer to our goal," says Kim Cronin, donor services manager for the MGH Blood Donor Center. "The real winners of the challenge are our patients who benefit by receiving life-saving blood."

For more information, visit www.mgh.harvard.edu/ blooddonorcenter. To schedule an appointment to donate, call (617) 726-8177.

MGHer Linda Ardisson of Clinical Pathology donates platelets with the help of Dennis Feeney, RN, of the MGH Blood Donor Center.