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Rick Ayers, vice president, public relations and marketing, WellSpan, right, presents the Medical Hero Award to Missy Sweitzer, left, during the American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 20. WellSpan sponsors the award. |
Missy Sweitzer, a community volunteer, received the Medical Hero Award at the American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Holiday Inn Holidome, York. The award is sponsored by WellSpan Health.
Sweitzer was nominated for her inspiring, tireless efforts to give back to the community.
In 2008, the Sweitzer family suffered a traumatic loss when their son, Zachary, was killed by a drunk driver.
In his memory, Sweitzer and her family host an annual blood drive on Black Friday. In 2009, they collected 160 units of blood, making it the largest blood drive in York County.
Their recruitment efforts draw more than 200 donors each year to the event. Over the past four years, the drive has collected 750 units of blood, helping more than 2,500 hospital patients.
In addition to hosting their annual blood drive, Sweitzer and her family actively encourage organ and blood donations and work with the Pennsylvania State Police and local police at DWI checkpoints. They also share Zach’s story at speaking engagements across the state.
Rick Ayers, vice president, public relations and marketing, WellSpan, and American Red Cross board member, presented the Medical Hero Award to Sweitzer. Caty Wolf, manager, marketing communications, WellSpan, served on the nominating committee.
Other recipients of the American Red Cross Hero Awards were:
- George Fitch, Community Impact Hero
- Elizabeth Tyler, Military Hero
- Justin Hoyer, Firefighter Hero
- Quinn Waldrup, Youth Good Samaritan
- Kelly and Spencer Skiptunas, Animal Hero
- James Thompson, Adult Good Samaritan
- Joseph Stoppard and Lester Rhoads, Aquatic Hero
- Justin Koller, Law Enforcement Hero
- Cassidy Cook, Good Neighbor Award