I started my blood donations around 1985 because a coworker asked me if I would be interested. Funny, isn't it, that his ask turned into such a long-term commitment? (Isn't that the best way to get new Rotary members, too, by asking?)

 

My father had a history of donating blood on a regular basis, but was permanently deferred with his diabetes diagnosis around the same time that I started donating. I felt like I stepped into his shoes in that role. Subsequent hospitalizations of loved ones and their need for blood products cemented my resolve.

 

There were periods of time when I had temporary deferrals, even for as long as a year or two, but I was always looking forward to the time when I could go back to donating. I count myself as being very fortunate to have a health status that allows me to donate. While my donations have always been whole blood, I do see platelet donors when I'm at the Wellspan donation center. Platelet donation is a more time-consuming process that I hope to try after my retirement.

 

I have always donated through Wellspan at its donor center at Apple Hill. They have a wonderful staff who appreciate every donor, and the facility is very comfortable for the donors. There are snacks at the end, including freshly popped corn, even for us 8 AM donors. From time to time we see some of the staff out and about and stop and chat. Several of the retiring phlebotomists have become my clients.

 

When coworker blood donors were discontinuing the practice, my husband stepped up to the plate and started to donate with me. In Rotary year 2012-13, York-East club president Joe Hackett wanted to start making blood donations in the name of the club. Since that time all of mine and my husband's donations have been for the Rotary Club of York-East.

My husband was making fun of me for taking all these pictures. It’s not like you cured cancer, he said. No, I didn’t cure cancer, but I’m pretty sure I helped some people suffering from cancer. Besides, he’s just trying to catch up to me. He only has 56 donations! 44 more and he can get his name on the board!