Donor Testimonials

Ken Scholz, one of our dedicated Buffalo donors

• Dick Batz - Williamson, NY [pdf]
• Granulocyte Donor Story - John Fitzsimmons, LeRoy, NY; Earl Westerlund, Rochester, NY; Eugene Witkowski, Buffalo, NY [pdf]
• David Farrell - Rochester, NY [pdf]
• Clark Patterson - Fairport, NY [pdf]
• Jim and Linda Parker - McPherson, KS
• Vern Thayer - Irondequoit, NY[pdf]
• Doug Churcher - Utica, NY [pdf]
• George Patterson - Holley, NY [pdf]
• Erie County Donor Testimonials [pdf]

Apheresis Recognition Events

• Syracuse Recognition Event [pdf]
• Buffalo and Eastern Hills Recognition Event [pdf]
• Greece and West Henrietta Recognition Event [pdf]

"Donating Apheresis Is Giving Hope."

"It gives me great satisfaction to know that I can help others in need. Personally, I feel blessed that I can make a difference in some else's life. I’ve been donating apheresis for approximately 28 years and plan to continue donating for the rest of my life." – Bruce Gruber, Amherst, N.Y.

"I donate apheresis in the hope I am giving life to many people. Donating apheresis is giving hope." – Robert Schaefer, Depew, N.Y.

"I have been donating since the early 1960s. I started giving to save peoples' lives, now I give voluntarily out of habit. All the Red Cross personnel are great to be associated with. It is a pleasure." – Gerald Garrison, Cheektowaga, N.Y.

"I thank God every day for my good health and so I feel that if by being an apheresis donor I can help someone in need of platelets. I must do my part. It is always a very pleasant experience when I visit the Eastern Hills site. Everyone there is cheerful and they always make me feel like I am appreciated for taking the time to give. They are a wonderful group." – Mary Hahn, Lockport, N.Y.

"When I am asked why I donate platelets, I reply 'because I can.' I am very aware how fortunate one is to have good health and to be able to enjoy an active life style." – Donald Greene, West Seneca, N.Y.

"Apheresis blood donations are compassionate acts of human kindness that benefit people facing health-related issues. Necessitating not a great deal of donor time, these donations are urgently needed by sometimes desperately awaiting patients, in many cases extending life and improving its quality. This giving of the gift of life highlights the better aspects of our humanity, is a privilege to do and hopefully will be considered by all who are able. Simply, apheresis blood donations pair up donors with patients for their mutual benefit, donor accomplishment/satisfaction and patient well-being/appreciation. The bottom line is people helping people. It’s a good feeling. You can have it too. Rolling up your sleeve is more than garment adjustment, it is life support.” - Stephen Ash, North Tonawanda, N.Y.

"Many, many years ago I was asked to donate whole blood for a Cub Scout. Later, this boy approached me and thanked me personally (very touching!) Since then I have visited numerous bloodmobiles and a variety of donor sites. I started donating whole blood and eventually I was asked to give platelets, and then plasma. The (Red Cross) employees at all of the sites were, and are great, friendly and dedicated. I feel good about donating and look forward to each donation. I plan to continue being a donor as long as I am able and the Red Cross will accept me. I have regular appointments, and my goal is 55 gallons plus! (I also enjoy the cookies!) I donate blood because I feel fortunate to be able to help others in need of blood products. I enjoy giving and always look forward to my next appointment. I will donate as long as I am healthy and able to do so. Give to let others live!" – Edward W. Schottke, Cheektowaga, N.Y.

"My life and good health are God's gifts to me. What I do with them is my gift to God. Sharing my good health is a way of being thankful by giving back to people less fortunate. There's no better feeling when you're a perfect match, knowing your platelets help save another's life. When your life is good – share it!" – Pam Garlock, Lockport, N.Y.

"I have always felt that each of us have a duty to give back in whatever way we can. Apheresis is a simple way I can give back to my community and be of service! It's a wonderful experience and feeling of fulfillment." – Mary Armstrong, Kenmore, N.Y.

"God has given me excellent health and I know He wants me to share it. Two hours of my time does a lot of good. I enjoy socializing with the staff." – Nancy Acara, Buffalo, N.Y.

"It makes me feel very good that I can help someone get better. I personally received a blood donation after giving birth 42 years ago. Two years after that experience, one of my own infants received blood." – Joan M. Heine, Amherst, N.Y.

"I started donating platelets over 15 years ago. It's hard to believe that you can help save lives by sitting in a chair and watching a movie for an hour and a half! The staff is wonderful; they are very friendly and always professional. Donating is a great way to help your fellow human beings. I strongly recommend being a platelet donor to anyone who is able to do so." – Ken Scholz, Amherst, N.Y.