Stacy Jo Pipiles
Stacy Jo Pipiles became a blood donor with Unyts following a tragic event in October of 2010. While driving she witnessed a car that had collided with a tree and burst into flames. Stacy pulled over to see how she could assist, and stayed until medical personnel arrived and took over. The young man behind the wheel was 21 year old Andrew Gramza, who passed away two weeks later from his injuries. At his death, his family made the selfless decision to donate his heart valves.
This event had a major impact on Stacy’s life and she became close with the Gramza Family. When the Gramza’s established Andrew’s Army as a way to honor Andrew’s memory and keep his spirit alive, Stacy started donating blood at their drives. She says, “Wherever Andrew’s Army goes, I follow.”
Stacy wants the community to know that donating blood is not scary, the Unyts staff are gentle and nice, you are helping patients who are depending on your generosity, and you get snacks! Knowing that she is saving lives though is the best part of donating for Stacy.