Three generations of donors give the gift of live

10.11.2011

For some people, giving the gift of life is in their blood. For three generations of one Hickory family, that statement rings true.

Robert C. McFarland, now 87, began donating blood to the American Red Cross while serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. To date, he has provided more than 100 recorded donations – that’s 26 gallons of lifesaving work.

Robert’s daughter, Pat Satterwhite, fondly recalls the work her father did not only as a Red Cross donor, but also as a volunteer.

“Dad started giving when I was little,” she remembers. “He inspired others to give.”

Robert worked on numerous blood drives and even arranged for Red Cross drives at his workplace, Newman Machine Company in Greensboro.

Pat herself organizes quarterly blood drives at the First Church of God in Hickory, which collects around 100 units every year. This year’s drive is Saturday, Oct. 15.

“We are really proud to be associated with the Red Cross,” Pat said.

Pat’s daughter, Wendy Chester, grew up with the Red Cross in her blood. Now a student at Appalachian State, Wendy is a regular volunteer and donor at the college’s blood drives. Her assistance aided in a record-setting 1,200 pints!

GIVE NOW

3-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15
First Church of God Blood Drive
306 14th St. SW, Hickory, NC, 28602
(828) 322-1621
Hamburgers, hotdogs, and donated food will be available.
Dressing in Halloween costume for the event is encouraged!

To make an appointment today for this drive or another drive near you, call 1 800 RED CROSS or visit http://www.redcrossblood.org.

The Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to 103 hospitals and must have 1,600 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand.  Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive lifesaving transfusions every day.  There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days.  Platelets can be safely given every two weeks, up to 24 times a year. Most healthy people age 17 and older, 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets.  Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.