Fenton students give blood, save lives

Students and staff at Fenton High School in Bensenville saved 276 lives Wednesday.

They opened their hearts and veins to donate 92 units during a blood drive operated by Heartland Blood Centers of Aurora. Each unit - just less than a pint - of blood will save three lives, said Heartland marketing representative Janet Maher.

Fenton student Vicky Ralph gave blood for the first time and said she was nervous about having her finger stuck for the blood typing. The best part of giving blood, she said, was being able to lay down for awhile and relax.

Danny Herrera, also a first-timer, said, "It wasn't too bad." He decided to give blood so he could help others.

Another blood-drive rookie, Alycia Dexter, said she wants to save lives and will be going to school to be a medical assistant and would be "honored" to go into the medical field.

Maher said students are more giving than ever; they typically donate five times during their high school careers.

"They're wonderful. They just keep coming," she said. "We know they'll convert to adult donors."