Emergency Blood & Platelet Shortage: Patients are counting on donors now. All blood types are needed, especially O Positive, O Negative, and platelet donations. Donate Today
Jacksonville, Florida
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Mark H.
I actually started donating in 1983 at a company blood drive to impress my girlfriend at the time. She would eventually become my wife of 41 years. I continued donating regularly at company blood drives as I moved through my career, and then started going to a donation center when the mobile units became 'off schedule' for me. At that donation center on Jacksonville's westside I was encouraged to give platelets because of my 'great veins' and my donation history, and I always responded that I would think about it.
But it was in 2007 when my sister in law was diagnosed with AML Leukemia that I realized the need and the value. My wife was a perfect match for her sister for needed treatments and platelets were a key element in her transfusions, all leading to her complete remission - against all odds at that time. What a super power in the red cells and in platelets! I've been a platelet donor ever since.