Bartlett man celebrates 200th LifeSource blood platelet donation
Bartlett resident Gerold Abraham celebrated his milestone 200th blood platelet donation Jan. 5 at the LifeSource donor center in Schaumburg. LifeSource staff gathered around him to celebrate the moment with a cake, a giant "Congratulations" balloon and a certificate of achievement.
Abraham, 73, remembers first donating whole blood in 1970 after serving in Vietnam as a U.S. Air Force surveyor. He later switched over to donating platelets in 1995 when a neighboring LifeSource donor center asked him to give it a try. Abraham has been donating platelets ever since.
Because of their five-day shelf life, platelets are in constant need by area hospitals. Patients undergoing chemotherapy often use platelets as a result of the impact of the disease or the effects of their treatment. Donors who have the ability to donate platelets are vital in helping patients battling cancer.
"They tell me that I have good platelets," the Bartlett resident laughs. "I'm usually on the lounger (donation chair) for about two hours."
He says he spends the idle time watching DVDs on a nearby computer monitor. "I rather enjoy it," he adds. "I like watching the DVDs, as I'm not one to go to the movies that much."
The veteran remains loyal to both LifeSource and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he previously served VFW Post No. 11018 in Bartlett as post commander, and commander of VFW Illinois 19th District. Both suburban VFW posts, he says, have been active in hosting LifeSource community blood drives.
"Whether it's platelets or whole blood, I just encourage people to donate," he says. "A friend of mine just donated blood for the first time - and he's in his 50s - so you're never too old."
In preparation for their donation, donors are asked to eat well, stay hydrated and arrive with proper identification. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with parental consent).
To schedule an appointment, contact LifeSource at (877) 543-3768, or visit www.lifesource.org. Walk-ins are welcome.
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