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REMINDER: Motorcycle Awareness Blood Drive this Saturday

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Local bikers will roll up their sleeves and give blood this Saturday. (Contributed photos feature bikers who participated in last year's effort and the AVH Blood Donor Center staff)
Local bikers will roll up their sleeves and give blood this Saturday. (Contributed photos feature bikers who participated in last year’s effort and the AVH Blood Donor Center staff)

LANCASTER – The third annual Motorcycle Awareness Blood Drive kicks off this Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Antelope Valley Hospital Blood Donor Center, located at 44105 15th Street West in Lancaster.

“That next accident may be your own loved one, friend or neighbor; it’s all about paying it forward,” said organizer Robin Merrick, when asked why residents should support the event by donating blood.

Merrick realized the importance of blood donation when her son, Zac Lutz, was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in 2012. (Read more here). Zac was put in a medically induced coma while doctors conducted multiple surgeries, and he required blood after each surgery.

The cause was inspired by Zac Lutz, who was badly injured in a 2012 motorcycle crash and required blood after each surgery. Zac pulled through and eventually made it down the aisle.
The cause was inspired by Zac Lutz, who was badly injured in a 2012 motorcycle crash and required blood after each surgery. Zac pulled through and eventually made it down the aisle.

Zac’s family and friends organized an impromptu blood drive, which delivered more than 103 units of blood donations. The group has been holding a yearly blood drive ever since, which also promotes the importance of motorcycle awareness in the Antelope Valley.

“We learned through our own process that all the blood donated at the AVH Blood Donor Center stays at the AV Hospital,” Merrick said.

The third annual Motorcycle Awareness Blood Drive will feature a party in the AVH Blood Donor Center parking lot, with festivities to include:

  • Live music from the local band, Rukus;
  • A Grandmas Goodies bake sale;
  • Motorcycle relays;
  • A Car show; and
  • Lots of great raffle prizes donated by local businesses.

Raffle tickets and baked goods will be free for all blood donors, bike show and car show participants.

To make an appointment to donate blood at the third annual Motorcycle Awareness Blood Drive on May 3, contact the Antelope Valley Blood Donor Center at 661-949-5622. Walk-ins are also welcome.

For more information on the event, visit the Payin’ It Forward Motorcycle Awareness Facebook page here.

To learn more about the inspiration behind the annual blood drive, view the video pictorial below:

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Previous related stories:

Annual Motorcycle Awareness Blood Drive set for May 3

You’re invited to the 2nd Annual Motorcycle Awareness Blood Drive & Fundraiser

Teen seriously injured in motorcycle crash

Filed Under: Lancaster

1 comment for "REMINDER: Motorcycle Awareness Blood Drive this Saturday"

  1. Thank you Terrance for helping us spread the word.
    We had a wonderful turn out & I will keep you posted about the results.
    We are saddened to inform you that the beautiful lady in this picture, Divine, was involved in a terrible motorcycle accident the same night as the blood drive. She will be ok, however, her fallen Brother, Slim, lost his life Saturday night on the I-5 freeway.
    Our hearts & prayers go out to the families.