We attended America’s Blood Centers (ABC) ceremony on March 25th in Arlington. Erin, our Executive Director, received the “ABC Larry Frederick Award” for her dedication and leadership in raising awareness of the need for blood donation.

The award is named after Larry Frederick, a former Oakland, Calif. police officer who was struck by a DUI driver in 1982 and received 110 units of blood and nine major surgeries to repair extensive injuries. He has made it his personal mission to thank blood donors and help raise awareness of the need for blood through a nationwide blood drive called Life Across America. ABC created this award to honor the work of Larry and all the others who support its mission.

We couldn’t think of a more fitting award for Erin to receive. She, like Larry, has taken an unimaginable tragedy, made the decision to not let it define her and turned it into a difference maker for others. Thank you ABC for honoring Erin and hosting us for an incredibly inspirational evening in Arlington. And thank you to Martin Grable, CEO of Community Blood Center of the Carolinas, and his team for the nomination!

More:  Isabella Santos Foundation Executive Director Receives National Award