A Donor Story: Mark

Mark’s journey as a blood donor began at 18, while serving in the military. In 1992, he started donating with the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program, committing to a cause that he would give over 400 donations to in his lifetime. Mark has seen firsthand how something as simple as blood donation can change lives.

One day, while working in his yard, a neighborhood boy stopped to chat. Always brimming with positivity, the boy noticed Mark’s Mayo Blood Donor Center cap and eagerly asked, "Are you a blood donor?" Mark explained that he primarily donated platelets. The boy's eyes lit up, and he excitedly shared how platelet transfusions had helped him survive serious medical issues.

A few weeks later, the boy returned, smiling brightly. “I think I have some of your platelets in me, and they have helped me to be much better!” he told Mark. That moment left a lasting impact on Mark, giving new meaning to his donations.

Over the years, Mark watched the boy grow from riding his bike past the house to driving by in his car.  Mark joked, “I always teased him about letting me know when he was out driving so that I could stay off the roads.”  As the boy grew up, made the honor roll, graduated high school, and headed to college, Mark’s donations played a small part in his journey but one that made a lasting impact.