Constituent Spotlight: Why Steven Kfare Supports New York Blood Center Enterprises

New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe) is perhaps best known for collecting and distributing blood products, but the organization actually has a four-part lifesaving mission:

• To provide the highest quality blood and stem cell products and related medical and consultative services to hospitals and patients primarily in the greater New York metropolitan area.
• To conduct the highest quality, novel and innovative research in the fields of hematology, blood banking and transfusion medicine, and cellular therapies, thus advancing these fields and positively impacting public health.
• To develop products, technologies, and services in the fields of hematology, blood banking, transfusion medicine and cellular therapies, with the potential to improve patient care worldwide.
• To train the next generation of leaders in each of these fields.

As a nonprofit, NYBCe relies on financial gifts from generous constituents to excel in each of these areas.

One such constituent is Steven Kfare, a New Jerseyan who started making recurring donations to NYBCe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently, Steven answered some questions about his connection to NYBCe and why he’s chosen to support the organization.

Q: What is your relationship to NYBCe? How did you first hear about the organization?

Steven: I am a regular blood donor. I first heard about NYBCe when a former employer sponsored a blood drive back in the 1990’s. I believe my first donation was at Center East, but now I go to the New Brunswick donation center in New Jersey.

The staff at New Brunswick are incredible. They really make you feel welcome and at-ease. I love that they know who I am, even with my face mask on.

Q: What inspired you to donate to NYBCe? What attracted you to their cause?

Steven: To be honest, the first time I donated blood allowed me to be out of the office for a few hours. As I continued donating blood, though, I realized how important it was that the region maintains an adequate blood supply.

The COVID-19 pandemic also emphasized the fact that blood donations aren’t the only thing that’s crucial. Funds are also required to keep NYBCe’s operations running smoothly.

Q: Have you given to NYBCe in the past or was this your first contribution?

Steven: I started making financial contributions last year when I realized how difficult it must be for organizations like NYBCe to raise funds — both during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. That’s why I decided to set up a recurring donation.

Q: What motivates you to stay involved with NYBCe?

Steven: I’d say just the idea that someone out there requires blood products keeps me motivated to give, whether it’s whole blood, platelets, or funds.

Q: In your opinion, what is the most important work that NYBCe does?

Steven: All of their work is valuable, but what spoke to me the most was educating the public as to why blood donations are necessary. For example, I didn’t know that New York’s healthcare system requires 1,500 blood donations every day to meet its clinical treatment needs.

Q: How does donating to NYBCe make you feel?

Steven: I feel proud that I am able to do my small part in saving a life — if not multiple lives.

Q: Why do you think others should donate to NYBCe?

Steven: I think we should all remember that we may know someone who will need a blood transfusion one day. Without an adequate blood supply, our local healthcare system can’t keep up with its daily therapeutic needs. We should all do our part to maintain the supply and “pay it forward.”

Q: What words of encouragement would you give to people who are hesitant to donate — either blood or funds — to NYBCe?

Steven: It doesn’t take much time, but it has a significant impact. One blood donation can save up to 3 lives — and it only takes 30 minutes to an hour. Financial gifts are quick, too. You can make them in just a few minutes online and even set up a recurring monthly donation.

NYBCe relies on financial contributions from generous constituents like Rob Kirk in order to provide vital healthcare services to communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. These services include collecting and distributing convalescent plasma to hospitals, conducting antibody tests, and maintaining an adequate blood supply. NYBCe also requires financial contributions to conduct lifesaving research and train the next generation of leaders in cellular therapy and transfusion medicine.

To help NYBCe fulfill their mission during this critical time, give via their online donation form today. For other ways to give, visit our Support Us section. You can also contact the Fund Development team directly for more information on NYBCe’s philanthropic needs. To schedule an appointment to donate blood and help NYBCe after the COVID-19 pandemic caused their supply to drop to dangerously low levels, visit donate.nybc.org.

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