'Never Forget' The Victims Of 9-11Blood Drive

On September 11, 2012, South Bend Medical Foundation will remember South Bend natives Katie McCloskey and Kathy Hawk Nicosia during three blood drives. The three blood drives will last from 2pm until 7pm at the following places:
• South Bend Fire Station, 1222 South Michigan Street, South Bend. To make an appointment visit tinyurl.com/givebloodgivelife with the sponsor code: Hero

• The Elkhart Fire Station, 500 East Street, Elkhart. To make an appointment visit tinyurl.com/givebloodgivelife with the sponsor code: Elkhart

• Lakeville Community, Newton Center Community Complex, 601 North Michigan, Lakeville. To make an appointment call 574.784.2749 or visit tinyurl.com/givebloodgivelife with the sponsor code: Lakeville.

• Donors may also visit the South Bend Donor Center at 530 North Lafayette Blvd from 8am until 5pm. The Mishawaka Donor Center at the corner of Edison and Main Street from 7:30am until 8pm. The Elkhart Donor Center, located in the basement of the hospital is open from Noon until 8pm. To make an appointment at any of the donor centers visit www.GiveBloodNow.com

Katie and Kathy were both graduates of South Bend Adams High School and each were killed during the terrorist attacks in New York. Katie was working in Tower 1 of the World Trade Center and Kathy was a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11.

“The South Bend Medical Foundation’s annual blood drive symbolizes the life and legacy of two women whose lives were taken during the 9/11 attacks on our country. It is important to remember their laughter and spirit and turn tragedy into triumph. This blood drive represents the preservation of life and continued dedication to Katie’s and Kathy’s commitment of service to others,” said Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

In Katie’s honor, her friends and family established a memorial scholarship in her name which is awarded to an Adams High School senior each year. For each unit of blood donated during the three 9-11 blood drives, South Bend Medical Foundation will donate $5 to the scholarship fund.

“To date, seven college graduates have benefitted from The Katie McCloskey Memorial Scholarship Fund and four college students are currently financing their education with help from the Fund. Please help us help more area students finance their higher education by donating blood during this September 11th blood drive,” said Dick McCloskey.


Anyone is welcome to attend the blood drive. For donor requirements, please visit www.GiveBloodNow.com or call 574.234.1157 with any questions you may have. Many people are under the impression that because they are on medications, they are unable to donate blood. However, that isn’t the case. South Bend Medical Foundation accepts many donors who are on medications. To verify if you are eligible, please contact the donor center.

Media Note: Dick McCloskey, Katie’s dad, will donate blood on September 10th at the 530 North Lafayette Boulevard location at 10am. His platelet donation will last until about 11am and Dick is willing to speak with the media about his daughter and SBMF’s contribution to the scholarship fund during this time.