For 34-year-old North Plainfield resident Diego Orozco, every drop of donated blood has been a vital lifeline. After facing a rigorous battle with leukemia that required three stem cell transplants at Rutgers Cancer Institute and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), Orozco relied on countless blood transfusions to stabilize his health and aid his body’s recovery.
Now recovering at home, Orozco is turning his personal experience into advocacy, urging eligible community members to roll up their sleeves and donate blood during the nationwide Big Ten “We Give Blood” competition.
“I always felt very fortunate that every time I needed a transfusion there was blood available for me,” Orozco shared. “Every time I needed them, they have been my bridge to stability and helping my body recover.”
The “We Give Blood” initiative is a collaborative nationwide campaign presented by Abbott, the Big Ten Conference, Rutgers Athletics, and RWJBarnabas Health Blood Services. The competition aims to combat persistent national blood shortages by encouraging students, alumni, and community members to turn school spirit into a tangible, life-saving impact.
The winning university—determined by a live-tracked leaderboard at BigTen.Org/Abbott—will receive $1 million from Abbott to advance student or community health initiatives.
How to participate
Residents looking to support patients like Orozco can participate in the challenge through Dec. 4, by following these simple steps:
- Donate Blood: Give blood or blood products at any certified blood drive or center across the U.S.
- Log the Donation: Take a photo of the donation or save the confirmation receipt.
- Submit: Log the contribution online at www.BigTen.org/Abbott or text
GIVEBLOODto 222688 (ABBOTT).
Local donors can find convenient appointment locations by visiting the RWJBarnabas Health Blood Services donor portal at giveblood.rwjbh.org.
The official winner of the nationwide challenge will be announced at the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis on December 5, 2026.
