It’s no secret that the cohort of young people known as Generation Y has created a frenzy among retailers and marketers. Although some debate the age range of this group, most categorize Gen Y as those between the ages of 12 and 26 years of age. At 60 million strong, these children of Baby Boomers are media savvy, brand-conscious consumers.

While the purchasing power of this group has the attention of brand advertisers, there is another way young people will shape our future. Of equal importance is the way this group is engaged in volunteerism. A Gallup study concluded that more than half of all teens participate in charitable activities. Young people volunteer at a much higher rate than they did 10 or 15 years ago. The impact of Gen Y volunteers at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) is very positive. “They offer an opportunity for other generations to see how our future still provides us with a new generation that is committed and bright. In addition to the many ways in which this group gives time and energy to the RPCI volunteer office, many of them further embrace the notion of ‘giving’ by volunteering to donate blood and platelets through Roswell Park’s Blood Donor Center,” said Susan Siegel, former Director of Volunteer Services, RPCI.

Gen Y’ers donate blood and platelets so that they too may make a difference in the lives of cancer patients. Twenty-two-year-old Nina Biasillo and her 19-year-old sister, Allie, know firsthand the benefit of donating at Roswell Park. “Last year around August our grandmother was diagnosed with leukemia. She needed a bag of platelets every hour and that’s when we found out about the Donor Center,” said Allie. The sisters have been donating platelets now for nearly a year. “Donating helps save somebody’s life,” adds Nina. “When you finish donating you feel great.”

It’s very encouraging to see the multi-generational dynamic that exists within the Donor Center. “Giving to one another is timeless. Grandparents to grandchildren, grandchildren to grandparents—all can share their good health,” said Mary Crane, RN. If you who would like more information about donating blood or platelets at Roswell Park, please visit the Donor Center website, call the Donor Center at 716-845-8275 or e-mail blooddonor@roswellpark.org.