In honor of Red Cross Month this March, the American Red Cross celebrates the blood and platelet donors, blood drive coordinators, volunteers and other supporters who make our lifesaving mission possible. Marc Satalof is one dedicated blood donor hoping to inspire others to join him in rolling up a sleeve.
Marc’s Inspiring Blood Donation Story
I began donating blood as a young man in my early twenties during the 1970s. I donated my first pint of blood at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) to ensure that my mother, who was scheduled for some surgery, would have blood if needed. At that time, I set a lifetime goal of donations totaling 25 gallons (200 pints).
Since that first donation, I have had the good fortune to be able to donate 242 pints of whole blood, at a rate of 5 to 6 pints per year. I have been blessed with overall good health that has enabled me to continue my donations with very few interruptions over the past 40 plus years.
Last fall, I eagerly awaited donating my 240th pint at the Carol H. Axelrod blood drive in the Philadelphia area. With that donation, I am currently at a total of 30 gallons given.
My decision to continue donating blood beyond my original goal of 25 gallons has been driven by that fact that I know that each and every donation provides “another day to smile” for those less fortunate than myself.
My greatest inspiration in donating blood comes from the humanitarian elements of this life-saving activity. Donating blood is one of the opportunities in our lives that takes very little time and provides a vital substance that science has yet to be able to successfully duplicate. It can often extend the lifetime of those whom we love, from family members and friends, to multitudes of individuals whom we have never met.
The implicit benefit of donating blood is the underlying truth that the donation of this most precious substance truly does save many lives. For me, no other incentive is needed. I have met countless other people who feel the same way. Anyone who donates even one pint of blood in their lifetime is to be considered a very special person.
Want to Donate Blood?
This Red Cross Month, please consider rolling up a sleeve to help patients in need. Blood donation appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).