In celebration of National Blood Donor Day, SunCoast Blood Centers will honor Sarasota High School seniors and twin brothers Christian and Alexander Wertheim for their outstanding dedication to saving lives through blood donation. The brothers are among just 15 students to receive the prestigious 2025 SunCoast Blood Centers Scholarship, which recognizes young leaders making a real difference in their community.
The award ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the SunCoast Blood Centers Lakewood Ranch Donor Center, located at 3025 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Suite 111, Bradenton, FL.
Christian and Alexander’s passion for donating blood began with a family tradition. Motivated by their aunt’s lifelong commitment to giving blood, the twins were inspired to follow in her footsteps. Christian describes the emotional impact of his first donation, reflecting on the unseen lives touched by one simple act. “Donating blood isn’t just about the act itself; it’s about the connection it fosters with people you’ll never meet but whose lives you have touched,” he said.
Alexander shares a similar story—his first donation saved three lives, a moment that left a lasting impression and encouraged him to become a regular platelet donor. Their shared experiences have helped form a bond not only between themselves but also with the broader community they serve.
Beyond their personal donations, Christian and Alexander have become vocal advocates among their peers, actively promoting the importance of blood donation at school and in their social circles. Christian’s approachable attitude has encouraged others to donate, while Alexander has helped friends face their fears and step up to become first-time donors.
Their efforts emphasize how peer-to-peer encouragement and personal storytelling can cultivate a new generation of donors. Both brothers believe that education, emotional connection, and public recognition are essential to inspiring more young people to get involved in lifesaving causes.
National Blood Donor Day, celebrated on June 14, offers a fitting backdrop for the Wertheim twins’ recognition. This annual event honors donors across the country whose generosity saves lives every single day. The celebration at the Lakewood Ranch donor center will highlight the Wertheims’ achievements and underscore the power of youth in shaping a more compassionate and service-oriented future.
The SunCoast Blood Centers Scholarship supports students with a strong record of community service through blood donation or volunteerism. To qualify, applicants must complete at least five blood donations or contribute 50 volunteer hours (or a combination of both) during high school. The scholarship is paid directly to the college, university, or technical school the student will attend.
SunCoast Blood Centers is a nonprofit organization committed to saving lives through blood donations, community outreach, and educational programs. With donor centers throughout Southwest Florida, SunCoast provides a vital lifeline for local hospitals and patients in need.
For more information about the June 14 celebration or SunCoast Blood Centers’ scholarship program, contact:
Brian Dryfhout
Director of Marketing and Communications
SunCoast Blood Centers
📧 bdryfhout@suncoastblood.org
Join SunCoast Blood Centers in recognizing two remarkable students and help inspire the next generation of lifesavers across Sarasota and beyond.
Photo from Facebook
Florida’s Gulf Coast source for local area business news, restaurant highlights and events.
941-347-4500
© 2025 Suncoast Post | Web Design by Sande Caplin & Associates | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Accessibility
Accessibility Tools
