September 17, 2004

MGHers rise to the blood donor challenge

The annual blood donor challenge between the MGH and BWH has come to an end and the MGH Team – which includes the MGH, the MGH health centers, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Shriners Burns Institute, some Partners employees and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital – has emerged the winner. Both the MGH Team and the BWH Team – BWH, some Partners employees and Partners-affiliated hospitals – set a donation goal based on the number of employees eligible for each team. The MGH achieved 91 percent of their goal while BWH achieved 67 percent.

MGHers who donated during the challenge not only helped their team win but also were entered into raffles for a chance to win prizes. The winners were Dolores Sansone, from Shriners, who won a gift certificate to Images Hair Salon; Christine Lania, from the MGH, who won dinner for two at the Charles Hotel; Michael Mclaughlin, from the MGH, who won a one-night stay at the Marriott Long Wharf; Mary Jo Baryza, from Shriners, who won a one-night stay at The Inn at Harvard; Daniel Wood, from Spaulding, who won a one-night stay at the Tremont Hotel; and Paula Wright, from the MGH, who won a one-night stay at the Ritz Carlton.

"This year's challenge was the best it has been in four years," said Kate DeCoste, of the MGH Blood Donor Center. "Employees were enthusiastic throughout the three weeks and made sure that they donated to help secure a win for the MGH and for our patients."

Above, Annette Whitehead-Pleaux, from Shriners, helped the MGH Team achieve its goal and enjoys an ice cream sundae as a reward.