CM student organizes blood drive

Center Moriches junior Victoria Miethe, inspired by her mother’s battle with cancer, organized a blood drive through Long Island Blood Services, New York Blood Center.

Her mother, Rosemary Miethe, said she undertook the entire process, exceeding everyone’s expectations. At 16 years old, Victoria said she decided to host the drive to help save lives and continue serving her community, a passion of hers since joining Girl Scouts in elementary school.

“I wanted to help others in my community and beyond during this difficult time,” she said. “Blood donations help maintain a general supply for emergencies, and people undergoing surgery or in need of transfusions.”

In her efforts to run the drive, she contacted the Town of Brookhaven for permission to utilize the Moriches Community Center and set a date. The entire process, she said, took about two months to plan. The event took place on March 1 from noon to 6 p.m., drawing about 54 donors equal to 54 pints of blood and about 54 to 60 lives saved.

“Her goal was 50 and she broke it,” said her mother Rosemary. “She was the first high school student able to achieve the above 50 mark.”

She has since been asked to host another drive scheduled for April 30, same place and time.

Victoria also volunteers for Stepping Stone, a local cancer support group, offering gift wrapping and helping sell raffles. She also plays tennis, is a member of the drama club and NYSSMA, as well as the school district’s International Baccalaureate program earning her college credits as one of 10 students. Her future plans include helping people in the medical field and studying dental at possibly one of New York State’s dental colleges.