Recipient thanks donors at BloodCenter of Wisconsin drive

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The BloodCenter of Wisconsin has had to cancel over a dozen blood drives in the past 2 months because of weather. Now they are really hoping for a big turnout for the 14th Annual Milwaukee Bucks and Blood Center Blood Drive was held at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. It was held Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and the goal was 600 donors.

“People may not realize that we are the sole provider of blood to every hospital in southeastern Wisconsin and that`s a tremendous responsibility,” said Blood Center of Wisconsin.

Each donor received a Bucks t-shirt and 2 vouchers for a future Bucks game. There was also a special guest -- Dominique Johnson and his mom. Dominique is a transplant and blood recipient. He and his mom stopped by the blood drive to thank and encourage all the donors.

“It makes me feel good to know there are people out there that are very selfless and they'll do that to help other people even though they don’t know who those people are,” said Kitchy Johnson, Dominique's mom.

Dominique was also allowed onto the Bucks Basketball Court to shoot some hoops, something he has always dreamed of doing professionally someday, and thanks to the donations that saved his life, that is a possibility once again.

“I always thought I would play again. Even when I was in high school and I found out I couldn't play. It was heartbreaking but like I told my mom, I don't care. I will play again. I always believed I will play again,” said Dominique.

In the past 14 years of this blood drive, close to 6,000 people have donated. Tuesday the 6,000th person was recognized with a special gift and celebration.