The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) clinched victory in the Big Ten’s inaugural “We Give Blood Drive,” earning a $1 million award to bolster student and community health. This groundbreaking achievement underscores the spirit and generosity of Nebraskans while addressing a pressing nationwide need.
A Season of Giving Saves Thousands
Throughout the 2023 football season, UNL students, faculty, and supporters rallied for the blood drive sponsored by Abbott, a global healthcare company. Spanning from September 26 to December 1, nearly 20,000 donors from across Big Ten schools contributed, aiming to alleviate the most significant blood shortage in a generation.
UNL alone accounted for nearly 4,000 donors—almost double the participation of the second-place University of Wisconsin-Madison. These donations will potentially save an estimated 12,000 lives. The initiative also drew a remarkable number of first-time donors, reflecting the community’s commitment to stepping up when it matters most.
Husker football coach Matt Rhule lent his voice to the campaign, inspiring participation with an earnest plea. “Join me and athletes so we can save more lives together,” Rhule said in a promotional video.
The $1 Million Award: Impact and Future Plans
Winning the competition not only brought the coveted trophy to Lincoln but also secured a $1 million prize. These funds will be directed toward advancing health initiatives that benefit students and the broader Nebraska community.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, the president of the University of Nebraska system and a former cardiac surgeon, expressed immense pride in the achievement. “As a surgeon, I’ve seen how life-saving blood products can make the difference between life and death. As a university president, I’ve witnessed the incredible generosity and dedication of Nebraskans,” Gold said.
Plans for the prize money are expected to focus on healthcare access, wellness programs, and education campaigns, though specific projects have yet to be announced.
Stories of Survival and Hope
The power of blood donations became vividly clear through stories like that of Genevieve Wright. Born with severe hydrops fetalis, a rare and life-threatening condition, Genevieve’s survival depended on multiple transfusions. Now 9 years old, she thrives thanks to the generosity of donors.
“Blood donation is imperative for so many, including my little girl,” Genevieve’s mother, Shelly Wright, shared. “These donations gave her the chance to grow, thrive, and have a full life. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not grateful for that.”
This story highlights the profound impact a single act of giving can have, a sentiment echoed by the nearly 20,000 individuals who joined the competition.
Big Ten Spirit and a Look Ahead
The “We Give Blood Drive” captured the collective spirit of the Big Ten, uniting campuses in a life-saving mission. More than a competition, it fostered awareness about the importance of blood donation, especially among younger age groups.
Statistics reveal a worrying decline in blood donors aged 19 to 24—a group critical to maintaining supply levels. The success of the 2023 campaign demonstrated the potential of targeted initiatives to reverse this trend.
The competition is set to return in fall 2025, promising another opportunity for schools to rally behind this vital cause. UNL’s victory sets a high bar, but it also shows what’s possible when communities come together.
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