WATSONVILLE—A blood drive will be held Friday at the Pajaro Valley Health Trust in honor of a 35-year veteran of the Watsonville Fire Department, Captain Danny Lucas.
On Nov. 20 Lucas was seriously injured in a hunting accident in Montana when a large caliber bullet tore through the femoral artery of his left leg, shattering the femur bone just above the kneecap. Bleeding profusely and in a very remote location with limited cell phone reception, Lucas was in danger of dying during the roughly two-hour drive to the nearest medical facility.
Lucas ended up needing 24 units of blood while in Montana.
“We are planning on a blood drive in honor of Danny Lucas and tying it to the Health Foundation monthly blood drive,” said former Watsonville Fire Capt. Tom Wiley. “We would like to get the word out about the blood drive and how important blood is when needed.”
As it turns out, Lucas has been a very regular blood donor.
“I think I had donated a total of something like 8 gallons,” he said. “Honestly, I never thought I would have my own moment of need; I just wanted to help others.”
While he continues to gain strength, Lucas is taking time away from his recovery to lend his name to the lifesaving project that has special meaning to him now.
He said he plans to attend the drive to thank people.
The drive is Friday from 12:30-5:30 p.m. at the Pajaro Valley Health Trust, 85 Nielson St. To make an appointment to donate in honor of Lucas, use “sponsor code” WATSONVILLE on the Red Cross Blood Donor App, online at RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
