Clearwater, Florida
I started donating blood in the 80's when my Dad had to give blood every 6 wks due to his Polycythemia. His blood was considered diseased and was discarded. I figured I'd give every 8 weeks and someone could use it. Once my father passed I continued as a way to honor him. One day the blood tech asked why I wasn't in one of 'those' chairs and pointed across the room. My reply was I didn't know what those chairs were.
He explained platelet donation to me and I said if that is what you need, put me over there. I've been donating Platelets ever since (along with occasional whole blood or white blood cells - whatever is needed at the time). I'm at 133+ gallons and God willing, hope to hit 200 gallons in my 75th year on this earth.
