FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The Central California Blood Center is encouraging community members to donate blood as it works to address a shortage of donations for patients in critical condition.<\/p>\n
Blood donations remain essential for saving lives. The center says every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. One blood donation can help save up to three lives.<\/p>\n
For Maggie Regalado, the need for blood donations is personal. Regalado was diagnosed in 2017 with a fatal blood clotting disorder and said blood donations saved her life.<\/p>\n
“So in my lifetime, because there isn’t a cure for TTP, I’ll always have a need for blood,” Regalado said.<\/p>\n
Her experience inspired her to organize annual community blood drives in Fowler.<\/p>\n
“I received that gift, and it’s just an honor for me to be able to raise awareness and continue to hold blood drives so that someone else can receive the same gift,” Regalado said.<\/p>\n
The impact of blood donation is also reflected in the commitment of regular donors.<\/p>\n
Raul Cruz Rodriguez, a platelet donor, said he began donating in honor of family members who battled cancer, including his father, brother-in-law, mother and sister.<\/p>\n
“That’s what I used to do this for- thinking about them. Then I moved on to, obviously, thinking about more people that I can reach out that are going to those situations,” Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n
Rodriguez recently marked his 100th platelet donation, a milestone recognized by the blood center. He said the experience of helping others has become one of the most meaningful achievements of his life.<\/p>\n
“Of all the things I’ve done, I mean, I’ve gotten my master’s degree, I’ve done marathons, I’ve done Half Dome nine times just for fun,” said Rodriguez. “Of all the things, this is the one that matters the most because it’s not helping me anymore.”<\/p>\n
The Central California Blood Center must collect between 5,000 and 6,000 units of blood each month to serve 20 local hospitals. Donations can be made at blood center locations in Fresno, Visalia, and Clovis, as well as at mobile donation sites.<\/p>\n
As part of the “Pint for a Pint” campaign, donors who give a pint of blood receive a free pint of Umpqua ice cream.<\/p>\n
Rodriguez said the greatest reward is knowing a donation could help someone in need.<\/p>\n
“But at the focal point is you’re helping out people out there. You may be helping out your own self down the road,” Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n
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