I am a regular blood donor and began volunteering for Hoxworth during the pandemic. I had started working from home and had extra time, so I wanted to make a difference. Hoxworth is a wonderful organization so I chose to donate my time as well as blood ❤️
I've been a Hoxworth platelet donor since I arrived in Cincinnati 36 years ago, having been a donor elsewhere for the previous 26 years. I've recently achieved my 75 gallon pin. But I'm not writing today as a donor, although that's a critical part and necessity for the success of the organization. I'm writing because 5 years ago I became a volunteer driver and donor drive helper. It's very rewarding to deliver blood products to member hospitals as well as picking them up from mobile units and the neighborhood donor centers. I also work blood drives and assist in making the donation process convenient and rewarding for our valued donors. The satisfaction and enjoyment I receive from my Hoxworth volunteer activities far exceeds any effort I expend, and I look forward to my opportunities to serve.
Had been a regular donor for many years and gallons until I needed to use a blood thinner.
But was able to continue to volunteer as a driver. Once in a while I would travel many miles only to pick up one or two units. I thought to myself this was hardly worth the time and effort. That was until I heard from a mom at a Hoxworth recognition luncheon who shared her story of how Hoxworth saved her son’s life with our donations. She concluded with “ if you ever think one unit of blood does not make a difference you are wrong.” Needless to say I was in tears as she left the stage. And I never thought about light coolers again.
Back in 1969 I was 18 and got the welcome letter from Uncle Sam. After my physical, I was rejected. It was the height of the Vietnam War, and I wasn't eager to go, but wasn't about to turn and run either.
Not being able to serve my country saddened me for decades. So I looked for other ways to serve, and started donating blood, platelets, plasma and even white cells when asked.
In 2014 cancer made an unwelcome visit and I was benched for 2 years. So I started driving for Hoxworth, picking up at blood drives and delivering to the lab in Clifton.
It was a great day when I rang the bell, leaving the chemo lab. Now I was permitted to donate since I was cancer free!
After that I had a small stroke (could have been much worse). After over 100 donations I was done, because of the blood thinners.
The urge to serve had not left me since I was 18, so now I'm retired and deliver blood products to local and sometimes not so local hospitals.
I love what I do even if it is just a small part of the process. I'm in logistics but nothing happens without our hero blood doners.
My dad told me one time, "Try to leave the world a better place, than it was when you entered it".
I'm in my mid 70's now and no longer feel unfulfilled as one who didn't serve in the armed services. Volunteering for Hoxworth satisfied my need to give back to my community in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
I have great respect for our Armed Services and in no way compare what I do to what they gave. I'm just grateful I can give back.
Although I began donating blood and platelets many years ago ; it was not until I retired that I began to volunteer in the Cafe at the Blue ash Blood Center.
The staff is a great group of professionals and the donors are always kind to me. I look forward to my time at Hoxworth and wish my health and stamina allowed me to volunteer more often.