A student and volunteer, Cody Gotchall is an active member of the community through his participation in nonprofit programs. Since 2012, Cody Gotchall has donated blood to the American Red Cross.According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. Donating blood could save these peoples’ lives. However, the benefits of donating blood are not limited to blood recipients only. Donors also benefit from donating blood.1. Reduced risk of iron overload and its resulting conditions. Excess absorption of iron in the body, whether because of genetics, alcoholism, or anemia, increases the risk of health conditions like hemochromatosis. Also, the excess iron is usually stored in organs like the heart and liver, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and liver issues. Donating blood reduces iron overload. 2. Reduced risk of cancer. Research shows that donating blood at least once every year reduces the risk of cancer. This is because iron accelerates free radical damage in the body that may result in cancer. Reducing iron reserves through blood donation reduces the likelihood of liver, colon, lung, and esophagus cancers. 3. Stimulates blood cell production. Donating blood stimulates the body to produce new blood cells for good overall health. 4. Free medical check-up. The blood donation process involves a trip to the doctor and access to medical tests which can reveal potential health problems.
Cody Gotchall studied STEM subjects at Oregon State University. He also studied accounting at the Linn Benton Community College. When free, Cody Gotchall enjoys boating.Boating can be very rewarding and stress-relieving. A boating experience targets the mental processes that can increase one’s ability to focus and concentrate. Aside from its effects on health, boating also promotes bonding. Although boating alone is possible, going with a group brings greater satisfaction. Doing things together, such as racing, cruising, or anchoring, encourages stronger relationships. Sailing may offer significant opportunities to build a team.Boating teaches craftsmanship. When sailing, there may be instances when something needs to be fixed or improved on a boat that must be personally done. For this reason, a boater must be able to learn basic fixes and improvements, such as fixing a leaked plug, repainting, or changing the engine oil.Boating develops skills and confidence. Sailing requires decision-making, sometimes quickly. Although not life-threatening, a boater must be alert, quick, and confident in unexpected situations, such as when strong winds or waves arise. He or she must practice their skills and be confident while staying calm and relaxed to handle the situation.
An Oregon resident, Cody Gotchall studied STEM courses at Oregon State University. He then took accounting through the iLearn program of Linn Benton Community College. Also focused on volunteer efforts, Cody Gotchall acts as a self-advocacy representative for the Arc of Benton County.The Arc of Benton County advocates that every person with an intellectual or development disability deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, equality, and security. The Arc also believes that intellectual and developmental disabilities do not define an individual. Instead, their strengths, abilities, and values must be highlighted. Furthermore, it has created programs for engagement in visual arts, literary arts, performing arts, and other social opportunities.For more than six decades, the Arc has developed recreational programs that focus on the arts. One program involves learning and developing painting skills while building friendships in class. Completed artworks are then displayed for sale in art shows, wherein artists get to keep 80 percent of the proceeds. Another program welcomes ArtFocus students to showcase their skills in poetry reading through businesses such as Imagine Coffee. Still another program invites students who are interested in performing. After regular practices, the DramaSquad performs annually at the Majestic Theater in Corvallis. Finally, the Lego Team encourages building relationships by expressing ideas with others with a shared interest in Legos.
