Love in Action: Community Blood Drive Surpasses Goals, Honors Beloved Practitioner

Multi-gallon donor Kristy Brown of Colchester laughs with Dr. Emelia Brogna at the August 2nd blood drive.

On the morning of August second, a small group of Red Cross workers gathered at Faith United Methodist church in South Burlington and - with the kind of efficiency that transcends words - began to transform the space into a temporary blood donation site. Unbeknownst to them, over the span of the next seven hours, the site would nearly double its original donation goal in honor of a local Physical Therapist, Dr. Daniel Ellis. 

More than 50 donors came to the August 2nd blood drive, 21 of whom had never donated blood before, together raising enough units to save more than 150 lives. “I’ve donated more than a gallon of blood, and this was by far the best experience I’ve ever had,” said Dr. Sarah Paquette of Compass Chiropractic, one of the organizers of the drive. “The Red Cross staff were amazing, and the donors we’ve had today were such a testament to Dr. Dan.” 

The whole Compass crew was out in full force!

Chief Instructor and co-organizer Darrel Duffy of Villari VT and Dr. Liza Josef of Wayfinder Wellness keep Dr. Sarah company as she completes her Power Red blood donation.

The drive quickly turned into more than just a memorial — it became a joy filled celebration as former colleagues, teachers, patients, friends and family gathered to honor Dr. Ellis by donating blood. The room was filled with laughter and stories, and hugs shared all around. “Just knowing I can help someone really makes me feel good,” said first time donor Autumn Piche of Colchester. “It was the best kind of surprise — we were there to remember, and we ended up making new memories,” said Darrel Duffy, co-organizer of the drive and owner of Villari’s Vermont.

Dr. Ellis was known for his excellent clinical skills and even better sense of humor. His last wish was that people consider giving life to others by donating platelets and blood to help others with blood cancers have more good days doing the things they love with those they love. With this in mind, Dr. Emelia Brogna of Wayfinder Wellness, Dr. Sarah Paquette of Compass Chiropractic, and Chief Master Instructor Darrel Duffy of Villari’s Vermont banned together to host a drive to help honor Dr. Ellis’s wish. 

The day served as a reminder that even in grief, there can be joy — and even in giving, there is receiving. Emelia Brogna noted “Dan lived a life of service and I’m sure he would have been very proud and honored to see the significant impact these donors made today.” To everyone who donated, volunteered, supported a donor, or volunteered their time: thank you. And if you haven’t donated blood before, now’s the perfect time to start. You never know how much one act of kindness can do, not just for the person receiving your gift, but for all those that love them. 

Organizers Chief Instructor Darrel Duffy of VIllari Vt, Mr. Alan Luzzatto of Faith United Methodist Church, Dr. Sarah Paquette of Compass Chiropractic, and Dr. Emelia Brogna of Wayfinder Wellness (left to right) share than thanks with all those involved!