For Susan Hanson of Dothan, Alabama, donating blood is certainly an interest that runs in the family.
Her father, a Korean War veteran, first donated to save the life of a fellow soldier who shared his blood type. After that, he continued to give blood, eventually reaching nearly 13 gallons in his lifetime. Susan began donating in 1980 with the goal to eventually pass that mark.
Today, she is one pint away from 13 gallons and doesn’t plan on slowing down. “I think once I catch up to his 13 gallon point, if they need platelets more than they need whole blood I’ll probably start donating more platelets,” she said. She also hopes to start seeing more people begin to donate blood. “It doesn’t cost you anything, it doesn’t hurt, it’s a little needle stick, and you can save lives with your efforts.”
