Tag Archives: Ohio

40-year blood donor nears 35 gallon mark

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Gary Pfeiffer, of Wharton, Ohio, has donated nearly 35 gallons of blood. “I don’t make a big deal about it, it’s just another milestone for me. Once I got close, I started counting and keeping track,” said Pfeiffer.

Gary Pfeiffer, blood donor

Gary began donating blood more than 40 years ago, when a friend asked him if he had ever thought about it. When she suggested it to him, he thought that it would be something good to do, to help others.

He has donated at Red Cross blood drives throughout North Central Ohio, in Hardin County, Hancock County and Wyandot County.

And having O-positive blood, the most transfused type, Gary has had the opportunity to save many lives over the years. He has donated double red cells several times, which requires a longer wait time between donations.

Gary reached his 25-gallon donation a little over 9 gallons ago, at a drive in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. He says, “Christ gave His blood for everyone, the least I can do is help a few.” He plans on donating as long as he is able.

“I have gotten many little extras along the way, including my first pin, a set of 4 pins that when put together, make a red cross in the middle, a key chain, the document of my first donation, the original stick pin and gifts awarded with donations.”

“My wife made me a framed display of my pins, in the shape of a blood drop, which includes the stick pin, set of pins and key chain,” said Pfeiffer.

Pfeiffer Christmas tree

Gary and his wife Bettie create a different themed tree for Christmas every year. Last year, he said, “We chose to use my goal towards the 35 gallons of blood for our theme. Some drops are only partially viewable but there are 35 blood drops on the tree.”

Because his last donation was a Power Red donation (double red blood cells), Gary won’t be eligible to donate before this spring. But he plans to make his donation appointment as soon as he is eligible.

You can make an appointment to donate whole blood, Power Red or platelets by visiting redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. You can also make you appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

“Tattoos!” A story and reminder about blood donation and tattoos for National Tattoo Day

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By Christy Peters, American Red Cross Regional Communications Manager

1947 – Grandma & Grandpa’s engagement picture – photo courtesy of Christy Peters

One of my favorite stories about my grandparents happened on one of their early dates. They both lived in Canton and had recently started dating. One night, when my grandfather was driving my grandmother home, they had car trouble. Luckily for both of them, my grandfather worked as a mechanic. He pulled the car over to the side of the road and got out to inspect under the hood.

Grandma got out with him and once the hood was open, Grandpa began rolling up his sleeves to get to work. Suddenly he heard my grandmother scream, “TATTOOS!” Apparently, in all their time together, Grandpa had always worn long sleeves and had not revealed his two very prominent arm tattoos, courtesy of his time in the Army during World War II.

Grandma was shocked but I think most of her reaction had to do with what her parents, my great grandparents, were going to say when they found out she was dating a man with tattoos. Thankfully, everyone got over the scandalous tattoos and my grandparents went on to be married for 70 years until my grandmother passed away in 2019.

You’re probably thinking, “Great story but what does it have to do with the American Red Cross?” Well, if you didn’t know, July 17 is National Tattoo Day, a day that “recognizes the history, culture, and artists dedicated to etching ink permanently on the skin.” Unfortunately, many people think the Red Cross is just as shocked by tattoos as my grandmother was that night many years ago. People often tell me they can’t donate blood because they have a tattoo, or that they recently got a tattoo and think they must wait years before giving again.

Grandpa and his tattoos in 1952 – photo courtesy of Christy Peters

I’m writing this blog to let all of you with gorgeous ink know that none of that is true! In Ohio, there isn’t a deferral if your tattoo was applied with a sterile needle and fresh ink in a state regulated facility. If you received your tattoo in a different state, you can find out if that state requires you to wait to give here. And, even if you do have to wait, the deferral period is only three months, not years.

If you’ve not been donating because of tattoos, now is the perfect time to begin. During the month of June, the Northern Ohio Region collected nearly 2,000 fewer donations than needed to help meet patient needs. Your donation now will help us avoid a summer shortage. So, just like my grandpa did on that date, roll up those sleeves proudly and show off your tattoos while you help save lives! Find a drive near you and make an appointment today!

Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross volunteer and board member

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer