A Donor's Story: Clyde

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Aug 22, 2017 | Jackie O'Reilly | @jacquelineoreilly

There are so many titles that describe Clyde—and lifelong blood donor is the one he’s most proud of. With more than 100 donations behind him, Clyde says, “Giving blood is so easy. As much as I play golf—four times a week—I still find time to donate. It’s a great way to give back to those in need.”

As a prostate cancer survivor, World War II veteran (Clyde was a P51 fighter pilot), and Channel One Food Bank volunteer, 93-year-old Clyde has witnessed many people in need. He understands that blood cannot be manufactured and that understanding brings him into the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Center in Rochester often.

Clyde began donating blood in New York in the 1940s, at a time when donors received a shot of whiskey at the end of their donation process. “Receiving a cookie today is slightly different than my donation days back then,” he chuckles.

Clyde moved to Rochester in 1957 and has been a committed donor ever since. He continues to enjoy volunteering, playing golf with friends, and giving the gift of life through blood donations. “I don’t plan on slowing down,” he says, “and if I can help just one other person through my blood donations, I’m happy to do it.”

How to Donate
For more information about donating blood in Olmsted County in Rochester, Minnesota, call (507) 284-4475 or email donateblood@mayo.edu. For more information about the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Center, visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/donateblood or like the center on Facebook.