The annual Battle of the Badges competition returns to Brentwood on Wednesday, August 22 and Thursday, August 23, 2018, from noon – 6 p at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library at 8109 Concord Road. The community donated more than 203 pints during the 2017 blood drive. This year’s goal is to collect more than 330 pints of blood and platelet donations to help those like George Frazier, who is the honoree of this year’s Brentwood blood drive.
Frazier works at the Maryland Farms YMCA as a greeter. He recently underwent treatment for colon cancer. He woke up one morning in a pool of blood. He was rushed to the hospital and received blood and platelets which he believes saved his life. He is now on the road to recovery and thanks the many volunteers who donate blood regularly.
The #BattleoftheBadges drive is a national rivalry among first responder groups to help ensure the blood supply keeps pace with demand during the holidays. Groups participating this year include the Brentwood Fire and Rescue and the Brentwood Police Department versus the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to helping save lives and supporting local first responders, those who come to give for the Battle of the Badges will receive a Red Cross t-shirt and refreshments, plus many free giveaways such as Tennessee Titan tickets, Nashville Predator Hockey tickets, University of Tennessee, and Vanderbilt football tickets. Talk Sports Radio 102.5 The Game will be broadcasting LIVE on Thursday afternoon.
The winter holiday season is one of the most challenging periods of the year for the Red Cross to collect enough blood and platelet donations. Busy schedules and inclement weather often mean fewer blood donations. However, the need for blood is constant. Every day, regardless of the season, hospital patients need blood or platelets for cancer treatments, lifesaving surgeries, or emergency care related to accidents or trauma.
You are welcome to walk in or make an appointment in advance by contacting the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and using sponsor code: brentwoodbattleofthebadges or contact Sara Smyly at [email protected] or Brentwood Fire and Rescue Assistant Fire Chief David Windrow at [email protected]
