Testimonial

I have been a donor at Meek Blood Center for many years. A little known fact: I am one of the three original apheresis donors at Meek Blood Center (not the entire U.S.). Donating blood is a tradition in my family. I grew up with my Dad and Aunt Elvira donating blood every time someone from my hometown had surgery and needed blood. Dad felt it was his responsibility; his servant hood to help those in need. Our family has been blessed with extraordinary health so there is no reason for us not to donate.

The tradition of donating blood has continued with my sisters, my brother and with me. We all started donating blood back in college. If you are looking for something to fulfill your need for civic duty - donating blood is extremely easy.

My mother spent the month of January with me in Abilene this year. She became ill and was hospitalized at Hendrick. Mom received many units of blood and fresh frozen plasma. This was the first time anyone in my family has ever needed and received blood products, I had no doubt that the blood she needed would be available. Through my association with Meek Blood Center, I knew of their dedication and commitment to having blood products available whenever and wherever they are needed. I also knew that I would get the blood my Mom needed even if I had to squeeze it out of my co-workers drop by drop….

The tradition of donating blood is still strong in my family. After Mom had received a few units of blood and was stable, I called my brother and sisters to give them the hourly “Mom Update”. I couldn't reach my older sister right away; she and her husband were donating blood. January in Iowa can be miserable and this year was no exception. Southern Iowa had snow and ice for more than two weeks with school called off. But my sister felt it important to donate. Not to be outdone, my brother packed his kids in the car and drove across Des Moines through sleet, ice, snow and bitter cold to the gourmet ice cream shop. You see, Mom had a strong addiction to good ice cream. When I told Mom of Tim's sacrifice, she wanted to know what the “flavor of the day was”. To be fair to Tim, he had donated blood three weeks earlier.

My sister Maryl was not about to be left out either. She sent her husband to donate blood (she's the weenie of the family) and she took over the ice cream run the next day.

I am thankful other people are called to donate blood. I am thankful Hendrick Medical Center is committed to its donor center. The new bloodmobile will make it even easier to donate.

Over the years, I've tried to figure out why some people donate and others don't, excluding health reasons of course. I haven't a clue why. What I do know is that once you have a donor in the door the first time, they'll come back again if they have a positive experience donating, if they're reminded to donate again and if its made easy to donate. This new bloodmobile is a very visible reminder to donors and to those who have never donated before. If you see this bus drive by, you're going to question “Isn't it about time for me to donate again?” Having another bloodmobile will make it even easier for donors to donate. So, get out there and do your part….