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Here are some stories from Blood Bank of Alaska Hero
Donors about how they began donating and why
they continue to do so.
Robin Bogard: Crimson Gold
- She never even saw him…….until it was too late. With
one hand on the cell phone, and her other on the steering wheel,
it only took slight pressure on the accelerator to send the _ ton
Chevy truck hurtling through the red light. The front of the truck
smashed deeply and directly into Tom's left leg. The impact sent
the twisted motorcycle skidding away, leaving Tom and his ten-year
old son, Jake, lying on the asphalt in pools of blood.
Four hours after the accident I was standing by the side of Tom's
hospital bed. One of my closest friends for many years, our friendship
has continued even after I married his lovely sister. With my heart
thumping loudly in my chest, I listened as the nurse told me about
the amputation. The doctors simply trimmed away some torn blue-jean
material, and a few sinews, which was all that was left hanging
on between Tom's thigh and lower leg. She also told me that in those
few hours since the accident, it had taken 15 units of blood just
to keep Tom alive. "If it weren't for blood donors," she
said, "he would have died on the chopper ride to the hospital."
On that late evening in June, with tears in my eyes, I thanked God
aloud for preserving the lives of my brother-in-law and nephew.
I also thanked the Lord for the many people who unselfishly spare
a few minutes once every 2 months to donate blood (their own crimson
gold). These are the routine actions of brave men and women that
save lives. If you know one of these heroes, take a moment to thank
them, or find out how you too can join the ranks of blood donors.
The odds are that someday, either you or someone you love dearly
will have a desperate need for the "crimson gold."
Brad M. Christeson: I started to give blood when my cousin...talked
me into it at the ripe old age of 16. We went down to the Blood
Bank in Eau Clair, WI, and both gave our first pint. It was a great
feeling right up to the point I almost passed out. I laid back down,
drank some orange juice, and was fine in about two minutes...When
I joined the Air Force I made a conscious effort to give in support
of those who were laying their life on the line for their country
in Vietnam. I felt it was the least I could do...Through my entire
military career giving blood just seemed like the right thing to
do...I really hope my blood never has to be used, that would mean
our supply of donors was strong and the reserve in the bank even
stronger. P.S. See you soon!
Lee Moeglein: In 1970 I was living in Anchorage.
A friend told me that a coworker’s son had been in a serious automobile
accident. The needed a lot of blood to save his life. He asked
if I would consider giving blood...I said, “Sure.” In
those days, the blood bank was down near the Park Strip, a few
blocks from my home. I had given blood before...in the U.S. Army,
and it had been a simple procedure for me. (I’ve got “big
pipes.”) For over 30 years I continued to give...it’s
that good feeling that you get from knowing you’re helping
others...Thanks for starting up a facility here in the valley.
It makes it much more convenient for all of us valley folks to
get those “good feelings.”
LeRoy C. Hoff: I first became
a blood donor about forty years ago when I was eighteen years old.
The first time...was for a family friend in Milwaukee. I always
felt that being a blood donor was important...As a Christian I know
that there is power in the blood, Christ shed his blood for me on
the cross, the very least I can do is share my blood with those
who have a need.
Bob Weinhold: I began (when) an employee’s
wife required a 2nd kidney transplant...I am a veteran of the
Korean War, the
first war where whole blood was used in large volume as opposed
to blood plasma commonly used during WW2. Whole blood was often
available at aid stations immediately behind the front lines. I
have progressed from regular donations to apheresis, platelet drawing,
and (am) continuing on a bi-weekly basis...I guess for altruistic
reasons. I have been fortunate in having good health for nearly
70 years now and I like to help people. It makes me feel good.
Bob Traut: I started donating blood at the
old Blood Bank...off the Park Strip... (Upon returning from a
mission in NZ and college
at Brigham Young University and Pease AFB in New Hampshire)...In
1987 I found the Blood Bank had moved and started whole blood donations,
then platelet apheresis in 1994...I am also on the bone marrow
registry and I will continue apheresis to help those who need it
in the hospitals. Many thanks go to the BB staff for their hard
work and dedication, especially the apheresis team. In all the
years I’ve been donating, I have trusted the staff to do
things right. I have never seen the needles go in my arms... That
is trust.
Jack J. Bohlen: I donated my first pint
of blood in the summer of 1967. My wife’s cousin gave birth to a blue baby at Providence
and needed blood...Since then I have followed the blood bank around
Anchorage, being the first donor to give blood at the “new” blood
bank at 4000 Laurel Street. As of 28 February 2001 I donated my
128th pint or 16 gallons of blood. I will continue to do so as
long as I am able to do so.
Daniel Jacobson: The only time I know that my platelets were used
for a specific purpose was once when they were flown to Juneau
for a patient...having a bone marrow transplant. Because I have
an uncommon blood type (A negative) I know that my donations are
much needed. The blood Bank often calls me asking me to donate
when the need is especially high...They always want me do donate
platelets instead of whole blood, because they go so much further.
I look at donating platelets as my contribution to society, giving
back if you will, because I am usually not in a position to donate
money to causes. I feel that saving a life is sort of the ultimate
in contributing, and take great pride in my ability to help out
where I can.
Angila McKenna: Oh, I don’t know how long ago it was...I
must have been about 18 years old and I was listening to the radio.
Had never before thought about donating blood, but always one of
the first to help if I could for any given situation. Anyway, the
radio station ...was doing a “Donate a pint of blood and
get 1 free ticket to the preview of Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie.” Being
amused at the idea and figuring it was for a good cause, why not...3
years ago my Aunt was diagnosed with cancer. Having a bit of history
in Pheresis, I learned that my platelets could help people with
cancer...(or it may be an infant that needed a little boost to
continue, or an adult that suffers and can’t be without it.)
To know now that I am saving lives with my blood is the best feeling
in the world. I may never know who I save by taking 2 hours out
of every week, but I will always consider it time well spent.
Robert Sundberg: I first donated blood in
1976 --while a senior at West Anchorage High School...I have
been a pretty regular donor
since that time...My religious faith has always taught me to be
unselfish and to strive to help our fellow man wherever possible.
I feel that being a blood donor is a very small sacrifice on my
part, and I could be making a big difference in the life of another
human being...I know that donating blood is not for everyone, and
I don’t put others down for not taking this opportunity.
I encourage others to try it for themselves, but I don’t
make a big deal out of it. I think that if more youth were exposed
to the process...it may help set the stage for more long term donors.
Daniel L. Nix: It was in 1979 or 1980 that
I gave blood for the first time in Anchorage. I still enjoyed
that feeling of giving
and it never went away, no matter how often I gave...I can still
remember how awesome I felt at giving my first “baby pack”:
I was helping a child...I remember being called at home one morning
at about 3:00 A. M. The Blood Bank needed emergency donors. I was
taking flying lessons at the time, and as it happens, I was scheduled
to take my long-distance, cross country flight that morning at
9:00 A.M. My wife told me I shouldn’t give blood because
I wouldn’t have enough sleep...Nonetheless, duty called and
I (did both)...and went on to complete my pilot training. I was
now hooked. A few years ago I learned of the Apheresis program...Brenda,
the woman who began the program, was awesome. Michelle and Cynthia,
the phlebotomists now, are equally as awesome. I can now sit back
in an easy chair, watch a favorite video and can give multiple
pints in one setting...My job is a fairly stressful one with constant
deadlines to meet. When I sit in the chair donating by Apheresis,
I get to relax...It has to be cheaper than going to a therapist...I
am not a hero by any means. I don’t consider myself to be
anything but a person who wants to help others in some small way.
I have been blessed with a very good life and this is one way to
do something for someone else...I have fun every time I do to the
blood bank. I have never met an employee who wasn’t pleasant
and skilled...I remember and miss those who I no longer see when
I go in...As I see it, the Blood Bank doesn’t owe me; I owe
you.
I started
giving blood in Minnesota at sixteen. There was a local blood drive
in town and I though what the heck...I just keep coming back. I
do have a personal goal, and that is to give the most blood in
the state of Alaska.
I also
remember thinking that my blood might just save someone’s
life -- quite a feat for 15 minutes time and a needle in my arm!...After
each donation, I would wear my sticker with pride, as a badge of
honor.
I first
started in 1966 when I joined the military. There was a very bad
accident in my training group and they needed blood badly so as
to save a young man’s life. I went to the person drawing
blood, one look at my veins and he or she said I was a natural...A
week later the injured GI was back in training...I figured if it
was that easy and painless to help another person live I should
continue the practice...I have donated in 8 or 9 states, in Japan,
Korea, Okinawa, Germany, Turkey, Puerto Rico, and Columbia. I feel
so committed that I prompted my daughter to start at 18, she is
almost 22 and has donated a gallon so far.
I became
a deputy sheriff in south Florida and whenever emergencies came
up...the call for immediate donors came out on our police radios
and we would be among the first to respond...I will soon reach
12 gallons, and, if God wills, will continue to do so.
Richard Hall: It was the late 60s and people did all sorts of things
for humanitarian reasons. It was also easy because there were blood drives
at the colleges I attended. And as a college student I appreciated the
free cookies and juice...Now, over 20 years later, it is part of my routine...it’s
just the right thing to do.
Giving
blood costs a little bit of my time but that is relatively unimportant
considering what blood means to the people who need it. It is an
easy way for me to make a difference and it is one way for all
of us to say who we are as a community. Thank you to the people
and organizations that have donated equipment and have seen that
the nice, comfortable existing facility was built.
I
started donating blood back in Minnesota. The first time I gave
I was 18; I went with my dad. He was a regular donor (until) high
blood pressure made him stop. In 1998 my dad had a heart attack
and had to have open heart surgery. I had donated a few days before
it happened. I realized if I, and the many others who donate, hadn’t...he
would not have been able to have surgery. When people find out
I have now donated 14 gallons, they ask me, “Why do you donate?” My
simple answer is, “Because I can.”
In
the Air Force, at that time, they would try to encourage people
to donate by giving them a half day off after they donated. That
was a nice thing, but the juice and cookies and sense of satisfaction
were all I needed. It was a special day for me when I got my one-gallon
pin. I guess it was then that my habit started...Each time I completed
another gallon there has automatically been another gallon goal
to attain. Now it is a contest between myself and time.
The Blood Bank of Alaska is looking for stories
and thoughts from Alaskan blood donors telling how you began donating,
and why you continue to do so.
- If you are a blood donor and would like to share your story,
please use our online
form.
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