(Tampa, FL, November 5, 2018) On Monday, November 5, 2018, Brooksville resident Laura Henley achieved a lifesaving goal at OneBlood’s Dale Mabry Donor Center: Laura joined the exclusive ranks of the less than two dozen people who have given 150 gallons or more of blood in Florida, since blood banking began during World War II! Her years of giving have helped to save many hundreds of lives and families!
Laura Henley got her parent’s permission to donate whole blood at age 17 to help replace the blood that a relative had needed to live. She was underweight, but persistent and continued to give when she could. In the 1980’s she increased her lifesaving commitment by giving blood in a special way by becoming a frequent platelet donor. She has known many people over the years who have required blood and platelet transfusions and believes being a donor is one of the easiest and most profound things one can do. Twice she was a potential match as a bone marrow donor and wishes she had also been able to share that vital gift as well. She never thought she would achieve 150 gallons of giving, but one gallon led to another and patients are grateful for her perseverance!
Generally, healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. All donors receive a wellness checkup including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening, plus a surprise gift.
To learn more about the importance of blood donation and how donors can target the power of their blood type, visit oneblood.org or call 1.888.9DONATE (1.888.936.6283)