A Donor Story: Michelle

Michelle has long been a committed blood donor, regularly giving whole blood. However, she became a dedicated platelet donor when three of her friends were diagnosed with cancer around the same time. “Two of them needed platelets regularly,” Michelle shares. “Maria, who had non-Hodgkin’s T-cell lymphoma, was getting platelets every week. There were times when she was told they were low, so I wanted to help.” Michelle has since donated platelets in between her whole blood donations.

“The whole blood process takes 45 to 60 minutes, with the actual blood draw taking about 10 minutes. The platelet process takes about two hours, with the actual draw taking 60 to 90 minutes,” Michelle explains. Despite the longer time commitment, Michelle finds the experience rewarding. She usually reads or chats with the nurses during the process.  Platelets are essential for blood clotting and because they have a short shelf life of just five days, the demand is constant.

Platelet donation allows Michelle to donate more frequently than she can with whole blood.  This allows her to maximize her impact and help more people.  Platelets can be donated every 8 days and fitting these donations in between regular whole blood sessions does not affect the eligibility date for the next whole blood donation.

“I like being able to help others by donating platelets and whole blood,” Michelle says. “I feel fortunate with my health, so being able to help others with this small-time commitment from me is pretty great.” Her dedication is a testament to the impact one person can make through regular donations.