Illinois Couple Celebrates 31 Years of Hosting Blood Drives
An Illinois husband and wife team not only recently celebrated 55 years of marriage, but also an amazing 31 years of hosting blood drives with Vitalant! Over the years, Gil and Linda have organized 125 blood drives, which collected approximately 5,000 units of blood and saved thousands of lives.
Gil, a lifelong blood donor, first donated at the age of 17 as a freshman at the University of Illinois. He continued to donate throughout his military service in the 1960s.
“It’s something I think is important. It gives me a good feeling to know I’m helping people,” he said.
Gil and Linda remember hosting a blood drive in 2003, and just two weeks later, Gil had to undergo open-heart surgery. His first question to the nurses after the surgery was, “Where did the blood come from?”
Although the hospital staff couldn’t confirm the exact source, they assured him there was blood available for his surgery. This moment reaffirmed his commitment to hosting blood drives, and he continues to donate at each one to set a strong example. Their children also participate, making blood donation a family tradition.
Vitalant presented the couple with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of their 31 years of hosting blood drives. Their unwavering dedication to this cause has had a profound impact on their community, saving countless lives and highlighting the incredible power of giving.