ConnectLife

12/25/2025

From the ConnectLife family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas. ❄️

12/23/2025

Thank you to everyone who came out to donate blood at the first "In Memory of Adam" blood drive. We collected 52 units of blood, which will impact up to 156 lives (all right here in our community!) 💙

🩸💪 Adam Curtis Hands & Heart

12/22/2025

"As we close out the year, I want to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who makes our mission possible—our donors, families, volunteers, and community partners. Your support helps ensure lifesaving donations are available when families need them most, and it’s a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together.

This year, we’ve seen generosity in action across our region, and we’re deeply grateful for every donation given, every drive hosted, and every partnership that helped strengthen our impact. Because of you, more people had a second chance, more patients received critical care, and more families found hope.

On behalf of all of us at ConnectLife, thank you for your ongoing support. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a healthy, hopeful New Year."

With gratitude,

Kevin D. Gramlich
President & CEO

12/19/2025

Join us Tuesday, December 23 at the KeyBank Center for a blood drive with the Buffalo Sabres! We are giving away a pair of Sabres home game tickets and Sabres t-shirts to all donors. 💙🩸💪

There will also be games, a photo booth and DJ, and a Kids Zone!

Appointments still available - make one here: https://www.connectlifegiveblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/21776

12/18/2025

Wishing you light and good health this holiday season. May your Hanukkah shine bright with happiness and peace. 💙

12/17/2025

Please join us in a moment of silence to honor Aaron & Amber. 💙
To view ConnectLife's Tribute Wall, visit: connectlife.org/tribute-wall

12/15/2025

💙 Honor Your Loved One This Holiday Season 💙

We know that the holidays can be an extra difficult time when you are missing your loved one. If you are grieving this holiday season, know that we are thinking of you.

Share a memory or a special message through ConnectLife's Tribute Wall - there you can share how much they are loved and missed. Submissions can be made here:

The ConnectLife Tribute Wall is a permanent display recognizing organ, eye, and tissue heroes and their lifesaving and life-healing gifts. Leave a message for your hero today.

12/09/2025

Adam Curtis Hands & Heart is organizing a blood drive in Adam's memory this Sunday, Dec. 14 from 9-3. They've put together lots of great activities, from kids' crafts and photos with Santa to raffle drawings and more! We hope to see you there.

On 12/14 remember:
☑️ Bring your ID
☑️ Hydrate well and eat something before
☑️ no colds or sickness
☑️ expect to be there 30-40 minutes total
with the needle only being in for 5-10

Requirements to donate🩸
❄️120 lb. minimum
❄️17 years old or 16 with parent’s consent
❄️75+ needs a medical ok from doctor on call
❄️3 months past a new piercing or tattoo
❄️flu vaccine ok
❄️BP and Diabetes well managed

Why join Adam’s Blood Drive with Connectlife?
💙 All Donations stay local
💙donations will supply WNY through holidays
💙learn about organ and plasma donation
💙learn your blood type 2-4 weeks after
donating through a personal account

Not your average blood drive:
🫶🏼kids $5 ornament coloring table
🫶🏼kids rock painting table
🎄 pictures with Santa from 10:30-noon
🎁 toy and gift drop off for the Depew
Community Center’s Giving Tree
🏈 food, drink, cookies and the Bills Game
on the big screen

🎟️2 free Sabres e-tickets per donor. Link will
be sent within 48 hours to choose from 4
available games.
🎟️$5 or 3/$10 raffle tickets for a signed
Maxwell Hairston Bills jersey. Winning
ticket picked at 2:45PM on Facebook live
🎟️When pairs sign up together or singles
donate in a double red, each donor will be
entered into a drawing for a
$100 gift certificate to 99 Brick Oven.

12/08/2025

Way to go Kenmore East!

12/04/2025

Theresa Kehl of Bliss, NY, is a mother of five and was a music teacher for 30 years. She is active in programs serving Wyoming County. Friends and family are spreading the word that Theresa needs a liver transplant, hoping a donor will come forward.

“Without a transplant, I lose my mom,” said her daughter Sophia. “Right now, our only hope is to find a donor.”

Theresa is listed with the University of Rochester transplant program. She has A+ blood type, so living donors with type A+ and A- are preferred, while O+ and O- are also compatible.

Doctors diagnosed her with liver disease in 2024. “Since then, there is no part of my life unaffected,” Theresa said. “So many doctors, procedures, hospitalizations with the anxiety of wondering what will go wrong next.”

Among other symptoms, she is dealing with exhaustion and mobility difficulties due to swelling. “Theresa has always been strong, and this illness has pushed the limits and yet she finds the inner strength to move on even when she is low on blood or just fatigued,” said her husband, Mark.

“I pray for a donor match so she won’t have to suffer as she does,” said Mark. “I also hope we can have more time together watching our family grow and continuing to share the things we love.”

“My mom has always been someone who is willing to help someone out,” added Sophia. “She is the type to invite anyone into our home and feed them a warm meal or give them a place to stay.”

Confidential inquiries can be made to UR transplant at 585-275-5875. Theresa’s coordinator is Collette. The Living Donor Coordinator is Erinn.

“If you or someone you know is looking to help save a life, this is your chance,” said Sophia.

12/02/2025

This weather might shut down blood drives elsewhere, but for WNY donors, that’s just Tuesday. Give us a call at 716-529-4270 to find a drive near you and get your two Sabres tickets!