Successful first day of Northern News Now's March Blood Drive

Duluth, Minn. (Northern News now) – On Monday, more than 100 people came out for the first day of the Northern News Blood Drive.

Northern News is now working with Memorial Blood Centers for another March -Blood Drive. The goal during the two -day trip is 300 blood donations, and so far we are halfway to our destination.

Officials say that 149 donors came out on the first day of the trip, including John Ratliff.

Ratliff moved from Seattle to Duluth two years ago and says that he had needed blood for 40 years.

He started donating to the military during his time. He says he saw our blood in the news and wanted to help in every conceivable way.

“People here make it very easy and let yourself feel good,” said Ratliff. “There is a feeling of reward.”

Ella Davis, a 12-year-old cancer survivor, is one of the people who have been strongly influenced by the generous blood donations.

Leukemia was diagnosed in Ella 14 months ago and is now cancer -free.

All of this is the bone marrow transplant that she received from her sister Ava and the blood donation she received during the treatment.

For those who missed the first day, there is still time to donate. The second day of the Blood Drive takes place on Tuesday in the ballroom of Pier B Resort in Duluth.

Walk-ins are welcome or you can click here to register for the Blood Drive on Tuesday, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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