North Columbus News

For Morgan Kaiser, the annual Blood Battle between The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan holds a personal significance. After donating blood last year, Kaiser was diagnosed with a blood disorder that was detected early due to her donation.

Kaiser, who is in her third year studying neuroscience at Ohio State, has been committed to blood donation since high school. She initially donated in memory of her grandfather, who had O-negative blood and regularly contributed to blood banks. "That was something that I always really admired him for, and I did it in memory of him to honor his commitment," she said.

Her involvement continued at Ohio State through participation in the Buckeye Blood Club. As an intern for Versiti, the university's blood donation partner, she organized her own drive last year by actively engaging students on campus.

“One of the things we always say in Blood Club is one of the top reasons that people don’t donate is because they’ve never been asked,” Kaiser noted. Her dedication led many students to participate for the first time.

After donating at her drive, Kaiser received a letter from Versiti recommending further testing due to low platelet levels. Tests revealed she had idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP), an autoimmune disease affecting platelets. Immediate treatment involved infusions made from about 1,000 donor products which put her into remission.

“It’s a very weird, full-circle moment,” Kaiser explained regarding how blood donation both identified and treated her condition.

Now serving as vice president of blood services for Buckeye Blood Club, Kaiser's experience drives her mission to encourage donations among students and staff. “It takes about an hour of your time but every blood donation has the potential to save three lives," she emphasized.

The current Blood Battle began on October 23 and will conclude on November 27 as Ohio State seeks its third consecutive victory against Michigan both in donations and on-field during their game on November 30. Incentives like T-shirts and football tickets are offered to donors during this period.

“You can help save a life and beat Michigan in the process,” said Kaiser confidently about this dual-purpose event. She encourages those hesitant about donating: “The feeling that you get after donating is so fulfilling."

For more information on where to donate during this event visit Versiti’s website: https://versiti.org/ways-to-give/annual-blood-drives/ohio-state-vs-michigan-blood-battle