Crary Buchanan blood drive on 10th anniversary of 9-11 saves more than 1,500 lives

The Crary Buchanan blood drive in Stuart collected a Martin County record 501 pints of blood over a three-day period that ended on the 10 ^th anniversary of 9-11. The drive remembered those who died on that terrible day.

“We want to express our gratitude to all the donors,” said blood drive chairman Mike Crary. “They honored the victims of the attacks and demonstrated a kindness that is a hallmark of the American people.”

Crary Buchanan hosted the drive Sept. 9-11 at its law offices in cooperation with Florida’s Blood Centers. A dozen bloodmobiles accepted donations during the three-day period. Each pint of blood collected can save three lives.

The drive broke the Martin County record of 304 pints set during Crary Buchanan’s first effort at the same time in 2010.

“Over the three days of this drive, I saw donors from all walks of life,” said Crary, who is managing partner of the law firm and has given more than 6 gallons himself. “They came in the heat and the rain to pay tribute and to make our community a better place.”

All blood collected will stay in Martin County to help people, including those getting chemotherapy, those undergoing emergency treatment, and Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans receiving local care.

Blood drive sponsors included Crary Buchanan, Seacoast National Bank, Steven Swann of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, The Experts, TentLogix and Martin Memorial Health Systems.