A lifetime of giving: Buffalo Grove woman marks 400th blood and platelet donation
Just days before the end of 2025, Nancy Prater of Buffalo Grove marked a remarkable milestone — celebrating her 400th blood and platelet donation during a special recognition at the Vitalant Arlington Heights Donor Center.
As the calendar turns toward 2026, the moment serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make over a lifetime of giving.
Prater’s journey as a donor began in 1971, when she first rolled up her sleeve to donate blood. What started as a simple act of kindness soon became a lifelong commitment to helping patients in need.
Nearly 20 years later, in 1990, a deeply personal experience inspired Prater to begin donating platelets. A close family friend’s father was diagnosed with leukemia and urgently needed platelet transfusions. Witnessing how critical those donations were — and the gratitude of the family — changed everything.
“The family friend was so appreciative of my donation that I just kept giving,” Prater said. “Knowing people in the hospital need blood and platelets to survive — it stayed with me.”
Thanks in part to consistent platelet donations, her friend’s father was able to live several more years. For Prater, that impact reinforced the importance of showing up again and again.
Having lived in Illinois for more than 45 years, Prater continues to donate regularly — closing out 2025 the same way she has for decades: by helping others.
“Give it a try,” she said. “I think it’s fun because I know I’m changing someone’s life — someone who’s battling cancer or fighting to survive.”
Platelets are especially critical for patients undergoing cancer treatment, transplants, and complex surgeries. With their short shelf life, the need for donors never pauses — even during the holidays.
As 2026 approaches, Prater’s milestone is a reminder that every donor plays a role in saving lives. From first-time donors to those who return again and again, each donation makes a difference. With 400 donations behind her and no plans to stop, Prater continues to give patients the most meaningful gift of all: more time.
About Vitalant
Vitalant (Vye-TAL-ent) is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies health care organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply, specialized laboratory services, transfusion medicine expertise and world-renowned research. Individuals generously donating blood, volunteering and giving financially are essential to our lifesaving mission. Learn more at vitalant.org.