Tag Archives: Family

Local grandma offers cash to family who donate blood

Posted on by
Reply

By EILENE E. GUY, American Red Cross volunteer

Elaine Rettig has made what she thinks is a “win-win” deal with her family: If they give blood to the American Red Cross, she gives them cash.

Elaine Rettig and her husband Al

For every pint of blood each of her three children, their spouses and seven grandchildren donates, they receive $100!  It’s $50 for an attempt to donate, even if it’s not successful.

And somewhere, someone – or two or three – will receive the gift of life when they need it most.

Elaine was one of those recipients more than 50 years ago when she needed an emergency C-section for the birth of her first child. It took seven units of blood to get her through the crisis.

Over the years, through two more kids and a career in nursing, Elaine donated 62 units of blood to “pay it forward.”

But that’s nothing compared to her husband Al’s generosity: When he makes his next donation in May, he will have given 144 pints of blood. That’s 18 gallons! That’s in addition to a couple of gallons he gave as a medic in the U.S. Navy, including on duty in Vietnam.

Elaine can no longer donate blood herself, but one night in bed, it occurred to her she might spur family members to carry on the mission. She was thinking about one of her granddaughters, who’s active in a high school Red Cross Club.

“What teenager can’t use an extra hundred dollars every couple of months,” she asked with a grin in her voice. She knows her grown children too appreciate the “little bit extra” from Mom, but no, Al isn’t in line for the cash award she adds, with her wry sense of humor.

Since starting the incentive program for her 13 family members less than a year and a half ago, Elaine has accounted for 33 units of blood and three unsuccessful attempts. After 10 donations or attempts per person, she figures the habit should be established and she’ll pay in advance for the next 10 donations.

She thinks of this as a form of early inheritance transfer.

As a retired nurse, Elaine knows that the testing involved with blood donation can uncover silent health problems. In fact, one of her granddaughters tested too low for hemoglobin in a pre-donation screening: It turned out she was anemic and really needed iron supplements. Elaine considers that a win at a blood drive, even without a unit collected.

By the way, the Red Cross is doing free A1c tests on all units donated during March, to screen for prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Red Cross data shows one in five blood donors has an elevated A1c level, which can often be controlled with lifestyle changes before the condition develops further. As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to alert otherwise healthy donors to undiagnosed anemia, diabetes and hypertension.

“While the dreaded jab of a needle is not like a kiss from your sweetheart, knowing you will be helping someone through a rough time in their life is an extra reward,” this wise grandma in Findlay said.

To schedule a blood donation this month and get the free A1c test and a $15 Amazon gift card, to go RedCrossBlood.org/March or download the free American Red Cross Blood Donor app.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Red Cross youth and young adult volunteer roles offer invaluable experience for individuals like Maddie Frank

Posted on by
Reply

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

Before American Red Cross Youth Volunteer Maddie Frank arrived for her first shift as Blood Donor Ambassador, she had already recruited a new blood donor, her dad. As Maddie was not yet old enough for her license, her dad drove, deciding to give blood on the way. After her dad downloaded the Blood Donor App, Maddie said, “It was fascinating and fun to watch the blood donation’s progress with him,” culminating in the location where it helped save a life.  

Maddie Frank, Red Cross volunteer

Maddie has been volunteering since January of this year and has already made a tremendous impact. Beginning with Totes for Hope, she has taken on several roles, including Blood Donor Ambassador, Youth Advocate, and Volunteer Services Youth Engagement Lead.  

Red Cross Youth and Young Adult volunteer opportunities and Red Cross Clubs are excellent ways giving people like Maddie can assist their communities, gain tremendous experience, develop leadership and public speaking skills, build resumes, make lasting friendships, and help make the world better.   

There are many Red Cross volunteer opportunities for young people, depending on age. In fact, nationally, as many as 25% of our volunteers are age 24 and younger. For instance, individuals 13 and over can volunteer at blood drives; additional adult supervision is required for those 13-15. Prepare with Pedro presenters can be at least 14. While you must be at least 18 for most disaster relief roles, those ages 16-17 can help support logistics, inventory, and preparation in their region. And young adults (ages 18-24) may be involved in College Red Cross Clubs or hold an adult volunteer position. 

Maddie told me how she has grown up in an atmosphere of helping others and has always enjoyed doing so. Her schools have had service hour requirements, she began working with Totes of Hope for services project at her church, her dad coaches, and her mom helps at a food bank.  

Maddie said she greatly enjoys helping and interacting with people, is looking to become a nurse, and her work as a Red Cross volunteer has helped. Maddie said, “I really enjoy interacting with the donors, seeing their milestones, and working with the other volunteers and staff, as everyone is very kind.” Maddie also said the experience is helping her get a sense of working in a medical field. She has also found several fellow volunteers are studying to become medical professionals, including nurses, and share their experiences. 

In addition to aiding the Red Cross, Maddie has assisted with several programs to help others, is a member of her school’s medical club, enjoys playing basketball, and will soon begin her Junior year at Wash Jesuit High School. 

I asked Maddie what she would tell someone her age interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer. She said, “Starting out as a blood donor ambassador is really beneficial, as you get to meet people, including those in medical fields, and see what blood drive are like. And you get to see your impact.”