Another good turnout for bloodmobile
Whether it’s been many years like Etien Laleman, or for the very first time like Cecilia Rabaey or April Schreier, the donation of blood is important.
Donors of all ages came to the Red Cross Bloodmobile on Wednesday at the Minneota American Legion to give to such a worthy cause. Laleman, who had donated blood since 1958, has been unable to donate blood for the past couple of years because of the medication he is taking for an illness.
But the 83-year-old Minneota resident has donated an astounding 11 1/2 gallons of blood in his lifetime. “I feel it’s important because others need it,” he said.
“I never went into the service and this is one way that I can give back.” If his illness improves, Laleman is hoping that he will soon be able to donate blood again.
“I would like to give again,” he said. “But I’ll just wait and see if I am able to.” Rabaey decided to donate blood this year for the first time in keeping with a family tradition.
“My parents and siblings have all donated blood,” she said. “So I figured I would, too. I think it’s an important thing to do.”
Five donors gave “Power Red”, meaning they were credited with giving two pints of blood, Okrina said. A Power Red donation allows a person to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation.
Power Red is similar to whole blood donation, with the exception that a special machine is used to allow the donor to safely donate two units of red blood cells, while their plasma and platelets are returned back to them.
“We had 35 presenting, and two deferrals, for a total of 38 units,” said Barb Okrina, Minneota Community Bloodmobile Coordinator. “We slightly missed our goal of 41.”
Arlene Markell reached the four-gallon mark in donated blood, while Heidi Runia has now donated two gallons. “Thanks to all who donated blood,” said Okrina.
“We would also like to thank Taunton State Bank for sponsoring the bloodmobile by paying for the meals for the Red Cross workers and volunteers, and donating napkins.”
“Thank you to the American Legion for donating the site and to St. Edward’s Catholic Church for providing the cookies, crackers and cheese for the donors.”
Glenda Fink, Donna Buysse, Kathy Wyffels, Brenda Verschelde, Pat DeSmet, Judy Hagen, Susan Askdal and Pauline Wambeke volunteered their time as greeters and in the canteen area.
“A special thank you to all of them,” said Okrina. “And thanks also to MaryAnn Sarazyn for distributing the posters, and to the Rotary for calling the blood donors. By everyone working together, we had a successful bloodmobile.”
The bloodmobile comes to Minneota four times a year. Minneota’s next bloodmobile will be on April 23 at the high school. Everyone is encouraged to donate if they can.