“My husband had Hodgkin’s disease which we found the night we returned from our honeymoon. He lived 10 years with it. During that time he had many people who donated on his behalf as he fought his disease. Unfortunately he passed away in 1988 at the age of 32. One of the last things he told me is that he hoped doctors had learned from his disease, things that would be helpful in treating cancer in the future. Therefore I donate both as a thanks to those who helped us and as a tribute to the man Bruce was.”
- Helen Marlin, Donor -
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“My grandfather was ill and in need of platelets several years ago. This was the first time I became aware of this need in our community and I felt compelled to give to help others like those who helped my grandfather. - Thank You”
- Taine Meints, Donor -
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“I’ve been donating blood since I joined the Navy, in the mid-sixties. It’s a simple, very worthwhile way to help someone. I’ve never needed it, but if I had to depend upon a transfusion, I would certainly hope someone was there for me.
I’ve always believed in 'Paying Forward'.”
- Gary Goodlund, Donor -
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“I started with BBR when my mother had cancer, starting with whole blood and then moving to Apheresis. I continued over the years, remembering that my mother inspired me to begin; she died in 2000.
The staff here do a very good job; it’s a pleasure to donate.”
- George Britton, Donor -
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“It’s important! I have close friend who, without the donation of platelets and plasma, might not be alive today. I have come to realize, over the years, just how critical these donations are. As a bonus, the dedicated staff at Blood Bank of the Redwoods have become my friends and I enjoy their professionalism, courtesy, humor and graciousness.”
- Mark Jayne, Donor -
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“My first donation was in 1975 or 76 and, I was tricked into it. My boss said he wanted to donate blood and we could get off work early if we wanted to donate too. Everyone else just took off early; I donated with my boss. It was a good experience and I continued to donate (about 4 times a year for over 20 years, in several states (Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and California). I have a drawer full of blood bank t-shirts and pins ranging for 1 to 12 gallons. Now I donate platelets about once a month. I like doing something that has people fussing over me and saying “Thank You.” It’s a refreshing feeling. Getting snacks is also very nice. The machine that makes hot chocolate is fabulous.”
- Ruth Norman, Donor -
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“My father started me as a donor as a teenager when we lived near the Talbot Avenue site. He had been a donor and gave whole blood regularly for the rest of his (able donor) life. It makes me feel good, doesn’t hurt me and we know how it can help others. My sister Karen is a regular donor too.”
- Nancy Zanolini, Donor -
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“I started donating whole blood in 1965 in the Army. After discharge I donated in Fresno until I can to Santa Rosa in 1975. I just got used to donating and never quit. I have been doing Apheresis many years and then became a frequent plasma donor. My product is a good match for a local patient who needs lots of blood so I just keep coming in. Also- the juice and cookies are good.”
- David Lose, Donor -
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“I donate blood (and now platelets) because my mother always did. I switched to Apheresis because my friend Sara told me about it. She had Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at a very young age and benefited greatly from donors of blood products. She’s past the “remission” time and now considered cured!
Later my mom developed breast cancer and then Leukemia. She’s used many pints of plasma, packed red cells, and platelets. She has since passed away but I will donate as long as I can for other cancer patients like her.”
- Helen McKairnes, Donor-
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“I have many friends who have had cancer and other serious illnesses and always said, “whatever I can do…” and Apheresis is what I can do.”
- Jane Sbragia, Donor -
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“Since I was a kid my parents would come home with their arm bandaged and I would ask, “Mom/Dad, what happened!” They would reply with pride, “well Leah, I gave blood today.” I was amazed and I knew that I would one day give blood. Now I do platelets and I’m trying to get my parents into it.”
- Leah Rosser, Donor -
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“It saves lives as mine was saved by emergency blood drive in 1972 after a severe car accident. Many wonderful and giving people have up till today given to me an extra 36 years! Blood donors give that gift of life and drive.”
- Robert Otero, Donor -
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“As an infant I became ill. Two weeks after I was born I received a full blood transfusion. Had it not been for blood donation, I wouldn’t be here today. I am fortunate for receiving and giving blood so that I too may save lives.”
- Adam Engel, Donor -
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“I have a close friend who has been suffering from cancer and this helps me feel closer to her every time I donate.”
- Amara Ernst, Donor -
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“Donating blood is one of the things I can do to ‘do good.’ With so many unimportant activities consuming our days, it’s great to be able to really help others.”
- Michael Von der Porten, Donor -
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“I started to donate blood in high school because I had read for years about how valuable it was, and I haven’t stopped since.
- Colin Lexa, Donor -
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“I have donated blood for friends undergoing surgery, to create and maintain a ‘family account’ which has on at least one occasion, covered my wife’s blood needs for surgery; and just because it is a good thing to do. I do apheresis to help cancer patients. I have many friends and relatives who have suffered the ravages of cancer, and I consider it my gift to them, in honor of them, and in their memory.”
- Christopher Dunkle, Donor -
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