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Lori and George have a five-hour drive from their home to Mayo Clinic. Living in Dixon, a subdivision about 45 minutes southwest of Rockford, Illinois, George reflects, “We’ve lived in Dixon for about 44 years.” The couple has eight grandkids they enjoy watching grow up, however, their routine also involves planning for George’s stem cell transplants and Lori’s blood donations.
“We usually come the day ahead because our appointments start at eight in the morning," Lori explains. "I donate platelets while he does his lab work, and then we're both ready about the same time.” Over the course of George's treatments, Lori discovered the significance of platelet donation. "We were here for 100 days but you can only donate whole blood every 12 weeks. I didn't realize what donating platelets was for a long time, then I found out I can come in every eight days," she recalls.
Mayo Clinic has become a second home for the couple. “Now we come up here every three months for a checkup,” George says. Through it all, the staff at the Blood Donor Center has become an essential part of their support system. “We’re very lucky to come here for his transplant," Lori says. "The staff at the blood donor center and with stem cells are very good. They’re kind of like family because they see you at your worst.” Despite the challenges and long drives, Lori and George remain upbeat, caring, and also appreciative, for all those willing to donate.
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