Adam Dupuis learned this summer that his cousin was diagnosed with Acute B lymphoblastic leukemia. Before leaving for the Awakening Retreat this fall, Dupuis learned how critical his cousin Madison Adams’s health was.

While Madison was being treated in the intensive care unit in New Orleans Children’s Hospital, Dupuis, Sigma Alpha Kappa president and criminal justice junior, said he thought about how he could host a blood drive in her honor on Loyola’s campus.

Dupuis said he discussed the idea with his fraternity chapter who unanimously decided to launch the blood drive alongside him.

“As for the fraternity, we love giving back to the community whenever possible. Knowing the brothers have been behind me and this event gives me strength to carry on,” Dupuis said.

Dupuis also said how important the support of the local community is to him.

“This event means the world to me. To see the Loyola and New Orleans communities respond in such a positive way gives me hope that the event will succeed,” Dupuis said.

Suzy Potter, community development manager of the blood center, said that this is an opportunity to inspire Loyola students to be true heroes when they donate blood.

Potter said that this opportunity, set up by Dupuis, provides the Loyola community a reason to donate blood – Madison. She said that this event allows the Loyola “audience to represent the blood donors of tomorrow.”

Potter said interested individuals need to prepare for donating blood by bringing photo identification, eating a proper meal beforehand and hydrating with plenty of water. The process will take close to 45 minutes because of a screening process that requires a physical, where individuals will be asked forty-two questions, have their blood pressure, pulse and body temperature checked and be finger pricked in order to test one’s blood for iron, Potter said.

Dupuis said Madison and her mother may attend the blood drive, depending on her health at the time of the event.

The blood drive is open to anyone in New Orleans. The event will be in the St. Charles Room in The Danna Student Center on Nov. 19 and 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dupuis said he believes donating blood will be able to help more than Madison.

“Many people do not know how much donating blood helps others. One pint can save three lives. Only 5% of Americans donate blood annually, but if that group were to donate every eight weeks, there would never be a shortage” Dupuis said.

Lauren Cutuli can be reached at [email protected]