We are pleased to announce our Donor of the Month,
Dave Powell of Carmel, Indiana
“Dave has been a dedicated donor for years,” said Lindsey Curtis, donor center specialist at Indiana Blood Center. “He always has a smile on his face that perfectly exemplifies how happy he is to help supply blood to Hoosiers in need.”
Dave’s reasoning behind his five gallons are twofold.
Dave’s father experienced health issues that encouraged Dave to gain control of his own health. When Dave discovered his cholesterol levels could be easily checked at a blood donation, he quickly became a regular.
“It’s like changing the oil in your car,” Dave said. Whether oil or cholesterol, it is important to manage these levels to prevent any type of future detriment.
After years of donating blood mainly for the health benefits it provided, blood soon meant much more to Dave.
In 2006, Dave’s son Benjamin, then 16 years old, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Throughout Ben’s illness, he received numerous blood transfusions.
“As a parent in that situation, there’s such a feeling of helplessness. So much is out of your control,” Dave said. “But donating blood is something tangible that you can do.”
After witnessing the lifesaving impact of blood, Dave became more dedicated to donating blood than ever before. Ben is now a healthy 22-year-old living a normal life.
“Donating blood is an easy, painless way to help other people,” Dave said. “And there’s no substitute; blood has to be available whenever anyone is in need. That’s why it’s so important for people to donate.”
We thank Dave for sharing his story and hope his personal experience with blood inspires others to donate.
Whether for the health benefits or the act of giving to those in need, we encourage you to Raise Your Sleeve. Go to DonorPoint.org to make an appointment today.
