A Bishop Gorman students are all smiles after donating blood for a good cause. (Contributed Photo)

Bishop Gorman Catholic School students and faculty stepped up to save lives, one pint at a time. At a blood drive held Tuesday in the school’s newly renovated middle school gym, donors not only supported their community but also rallied behind choir director Christine Martin, whose children rely on blood donations.

“My family and I are immensely grateful to the Bishop Gorman community for constantly providing prayers, support, and hosting blood drives that help to save children and adults of all ages,” Martin said. “Donating blood can be scary. I applaud all of the students who’ve found the courage to help save lives by selflessly giving their unique and precious blood to save the lives of others.”

Martin’s children, Charlotte and John Paul, have hereditary spherocytosis, a rare blood disorder that causes their red blood cells to break down faster than normal. Last year alone, they needed 12 blood transfusions, bringing their total to 19 in two years.

Carter BloodCare learned of their story from a previous drive and invited Martin to share their experience in a full-length video, commercials, and a radio ad. Her children’s images will also appear in marketing materials for upcoming blood drives. She has also been invited to speak to donors at upcoming galas in Tyler and Longview.

“There are no words to express our gratitude to the organization for giving us the opportunity to spread awareness for rare blood disorders, like our children’s, and to encourage so many to donate,” Martin said.

The school’s blood drive helped address a critical need. According to Carter BloodCare, high schools provide 25% of all blood donations.

“The students and faculty of Bishop Gorman are incredible role models in their support of Christine and her family,” said James Black, Senior Public Relations Specialist for Carter BloodCare. “They saw a need and they stepped up to help.”

Lonnie Glosson, a history teacher, donated after students organizing the drive needed to fill slots.

“It’s a really positive thing — it saves lives. If you can find the time to do it, get out there and do it. It’s well worth the time and effort,” Glosson said.

Bishop Gorman junior Ximena Valdivia also took time out of her day to donate.

“I wanted to help someone else, so I came here to donate blood,” she said. “More people should do it because it helps those who need it.”

Martin hopes the next drive, scheduled for early May, will collect 100 donations. Blood shortages become more severe during the summer when schools are on break, and unexpected events like winter storms can further disrupt supply.

“Children and adults who are fighting cancer, people injured in car (crashes), mothers going through difficult childbirths, and many others are experiencing health emergencies each day and they need our help,” Black said.

Carter BloodCare hosts up to 30 blood drives daily and operates the Tyler Donor Center at 815 Baxter Avenue. To schedule an appointment, visit CarterBloodCare.org.