Residents remember friend with annual blood drive

JACKSON — It has been five years since the Westlake adult community held its first blood drive to aid community member and volunteer Chuck Boudreau in his fight against a disease that eventually claimed his life.

In his honor, Boudreau's friends have held a blood drive every year since his passing.

This year's blood drive for all residents of the Westlake adult community will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 22 in the clubhouse. The event is sponsored by the Westlake Men's Club.

"Friends and neighbors of the Boudreaus are continuing to organize this worthwhile event in Chuck's memory," said Rob Cuthbert, who is spearheading the annual blood drive.

"There is a severe shortage of blood throughout New Jersey. The process of blood donation is virtually painless, safe and so worthwhile, especially now, with the current acute blood shortage," he said.

Cuthbert said donors will have a feeling of self-satisfaction knowing that someone will be helped by their generosity.

Nurses from the Central Jersey Blood Center will be on hand and will check a donor's blood pressure and hemoglobin prior to taking any blood.

Cuthbert said some people who have a medical condition and/or take certain medications may find out that they may be able to donate blood. Nurses will be available to make that determination.

More than 125 gifts have been donated to the blood drive, including a week-long vacation at the Seaview Marriott Country Club near Atlantic City.

"Many of the gifts were generously given by Chuck's widow, Marie," Cuthbert said.

Every donor will receive a $10 gas card, a T-shirt and a lymphoma bracelet plus the satisfaction of knowing that they have helped someone else. Cuthbert said the number of donors has increased each year that the blood drive in Boudreau's honor has been held and said that is expected to be the case again in 2008.