Rhode Island Blood Center honors top donors, Dennison family expresses gratitude

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — The Rhode Island blood center held an event in Providence Thursday to honor top young donors.

The family of Matthew Dennison also had the opportunity to meet one of the donors that helped the teen during his lengthy hospital stay after a car crash involving an alleged drunk driver.

Although the 17-year-old didn’t survive, Dennison had a fighting chance thanks in part to generous blood donors.

“He would’ve probably passed that night if the blood wasn’t there and readily available for him,” said his mother, Brenda Dennison.

The Dennison’s had 27 extra days by Matthew’s side.

“It gave us a little bit of hope every day,” said Brenda.

The donor the family met on Thursday wasn’t the only one who donated blood that helped Matthew.

“I know from the amount of blood my son needed, that there were probably a lot of people involved,” said Brenda.

Marketing and Communications Manager at Rhode Island Blood Center, Caitlin Grimaldi-Flick, said the teen needed 50 units of blood.

The Dennison’s now encourage anyone who can to donate after seeing the impact it can make in the community.

“My husband and I had both been non donors and not because of any reason other than we didn’t make the time, but we are faithfully donating blood now and understand the importance of it,” said Brenda.

RIBC spokesperson said there is always a need for blood donations, but they’re currently in critical need of platelets and type O blood.

“This is an opportunity to have that true impact in your community,” said Grimaldi-Flick.

To find a donation location near you, visit their website.