• HPRSD's 2nd Annual Blood Drive - May 1, 2010
• Highlights from past years

The Puerto Rican & Caribbean community in San Diego said ¡Presente! when a member was aflicted with a serious blood condition necessitating a constant amount of blood transfusions. We learned fast what we needed to do to get the word out for folks to donate blood based on the excellent advice from the San Diego Blood Bank on how to get organized. It was an honor to step up to the plate and we're motivated to grow in our involvement. On Saturday, May 1, 2010, we will host our 2nd Annual Blood Drive. Catch highlights below for past activities.

• Article: The Gift of LIFE by Daisy Cruz

Puerto Rico Dice ¡Presente!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

HPRSD's 2nd Annual Blood Drive

8:30am - 2:00pm

Hall of Nations in Balboa Park
2191 West Pan American Road
San Diego, CA 92101

PASS THE WORD!!

Click on image below to link to San Diego Blood Bank and schedule your appointment.
We also need volunteers to help with the event. If interested, please contact Aileen Alvarado-Swaisgood at aileen_as@yahoo.com or 858-395-5765.

Make sure you are well hydrated and had a good meal before donating blood.
Any questions about requirements, click here.

After donating, please join us for a Thank You reception at the Hall of Nations.

Highlights of 2009

The House of Puerto Rico hosted its 1st blood drive at the Hall of Nations in Balboa Park (San Diego, CA) on Saturday, May 2, 2009. The San Diego Blood Bank was on hand to take all blood donations. In addition to advanced online reservations, a number of people walked in to make their donation. We kept the whole occasion "festive" for the donors with the HPRSD Queen & Reinitas Borincanas on hand to welcome donors and escort them to our Thank You reception in the Casita.

THANK YOU!!!

Our 1st Blood Drive was a resounding success!

Thank you to all who participated including those who donoted, those who couldn't, and those who helped keep the process seemless and joyful.

2009 House of Pacific Relations President, Hannu Mikkonen, checking in.	Hannu, Chris Springer, and Gus Freeman waiting to be call to their station
	Angie Freeman with JAZZ 88's Radio Host of Latin Grooves, Chris Springer
SDFD Firefighter & HPRSD member, Ralph Carrasquillo, smiles as he donates blood	Comfortable donation stations with SDBB's professional staff

"Come on San Diego it WILL help out a really good person, so get out there and
give some blood!!    I have an appointment. See ya on Sat."
Chris Springer, Radio Host Latin Grooves, JAZZ 88.3FM

"I've also made my appointment!!! This will be my first time giving blood
and doing it for Angie. I hope I get a big plate of Arroz con Gandules."
Maribel J Flores, HPRSD Member 

If you are interested in participating in the development of the annual blood drive, please email us at quepasa@houseofpuertorico.com

Highlights of 2008

Thank You Letter from Angie Freeman

Dear House of Puerto Rico and its members,

I should really address this letter as "Dear Family" or "Queridisima Familia" because that is what you all have become to me. My recent relapse of my disease and the onset of a new disease, LGL Leukemia, has not only brought frequent trips to Moore's Cancer Center for blood transfusions and chemo therapy treatments, but it has also brought a new awareness that my family and I are not going through this alone. So many people have stepped up to the plate to show their support by donating blood for me. The San Diego Blood Bank has commented on the magnitude of the response of people donating blood for me.

Now that I have some of that Puerto Rican blood mixed in with my Dominican blood, I can fly both flags and am able to say that I am both nationalities. Hey, I guess I'm a Dominirican. You have all been so amazing. Not only was the blood donated for me appreciated, but your prayers and good thoughts have been cherished as well. Mere words cannot thank you all enough.

I am feeling better these days as I am now producing my own blood. I don't quite yet have enough energy to win a salsa contest, but I'm getting there. Because of you and the many other people that donated blood on my behalf, I continue to enjoy my family and life, and I look forward to helping out at the lawn program in September and volunteering anywhere else I can for the House of Puerto Rico.

You have all made a difference in life, not just mine but many others that will also benefit from your blood donations. My family and I send you all loads of thank you, hugs and love; until we see you all again soon where I will attempt to hug each and every one of you personally.

All my love,
Angie Freeman

You Made a Difference to the Freeman Family!

Based on our experience in 2008, the HPRSD will sponsor an annual Blood Drive at Balboa Park's Hall of Nation. Save the date!! Saturday, May 2, 2009.

Click on the above image to continue your contributions throughout the year.

The Freeman Family Thanks You