Giving blood is commonly revered as the priceless gift of life and on Wednesday, July 9, Central Texas Medical Center’s Blood Bank helped bring area donors together to help those in need.
Among the people in attendance was Howard Yeargan, a retired Texas State University economics professor who has lived in San Marcos for 41 years. Unlike the 43 donors that day, Yeargan was not there to give blood. Instead, he made a special point to stop by and thank the donors because their blood may one day be his.
“When people receive an organ donation they know who they received it from and can thank them directly. I don’t have that ability because blood is donated anonymously,” said Yeargan. “So the next best thing for me is to thank those who are making donations at CTMC. If it weren’t for people like them, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Diagnosed two and a half years ago with Milo Fibrosis, a rare, incurable form of leukemia, Yeargan has since received 32 blood transfusions. He has been a part of two unsuccessful drug trials and hopes to one day participate in another one. After seeing specialists and receiving blood from various hospitals, CTMC has become Yeargan’s preferred facility for blood transfusions.
“Having gone to three other locations, receiving blood is something that I’m very familiar with,” said Yeargan. “CTMC’s protocol, professionalism and people are the best I’ve encountered.”
If you would like to give the gift of life then make sure you mark your calendar for the next blood drive on October 9, 2008.
For more information, please call Lisa Moore, CTMC Blood Bank supervisor, at (512) 753-3107 or visit www.inyourhands.org.