Sister Act

BNL Siblings are Regular Blood Donors

Patti Bender and Sue Perino

Sue Perino and Patti Bender

Brookhaven Lab siblings Patti Bender and Sue Perino are blood relatives in more ways than one — the close-knit sisters are also regular blood donors. 

Bender, a project engineer in the Facility and Operations Directorate, says she has been a donor at BNL blood drives since she first joined the Lab 34 years ago. “I’ve been donating for so many years that the dates of the BNL blood drives are a standard entry on my calendar,” said Bender. “My own family and friends have needed blood, so I realize how important it is. It’s a small personal effort with a big payoff.”

Perino, deputy director of the Business Division in the Photon Sciences Directorate, agrees with her sister Patti. “This small gesture really is huge,” said Perino. “And, since some people don’t meet the criteria to be a blood donor, I think it’s very important that those of us who are able to donate take the time to do so. After all, someday someone you love may need blood and you would hope that it is readily available for them.”

Both sisters also agree that blood, a “gift of life,” is something we can only get through the generosity of those who donate. It can’t be manufactured and you can only get it from another person who cares enough to give their blood.

Consider rolling up your sleeve for the next BNL blood drive on September 13, 2012, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brookhaven Center. You can schedule an appointment on the BNL Blood Drive website.

2012-3320  |  INT/EXT  |  Newsroom