PINEHURST, N.C. – FirstHealth of the Carolinas is inviting the community to donate life during an upcoming memorial blood drive honoring the memory of Chase Fraley.
Chase Fraley passed away in 2021 at the age of 18, and ever since his parents, Heather and Travis Fraley, have become advocates for blood donation.
After a tragic accident in October 2021, Chase received more than 40 units of blood at Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst before being airlifted to UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill. An average adult body contains about 10 units of blood.
Chase passed away on Oct. 23, 2021. Through their grief, Heather and Travis became advocates for blood donation, hosting the inaugural drive last spring.
"I've always known that blood donations are important but never valued it like I do now," said Heather. "Donating Chase's organs would not have been possible if FirstHealth hadn't been able to stabilize him and if there hadn't been enough donated blood for him."
The first of two memorial drives honoring Chase’s life will be held April 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at FirstHealth Fitness – Pinehurst. The second will be April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Moore Regional Hospital.
FirstHealth is partnering with OneBlood, a blood donation organization that coordinates the drives. The blood drive’s goal is 40 units, the same amount Chase received. Participants are encouraged to wear green or camouflage to honor the fisherman and turkey, deer and duck hunter.
