Blood Ties: How One Family's Generosity Keeps Giving Through Blood Donation Drives
Written By Kevin Herrera
Digital Marketing & Communication Manager
Only three out of 100 people in the U.S. give blood, making blood donors a special and generous crowd of people. For the Krause family, it’s three out of three, making Elisabete, her husband Daniel, and their daughter Adriana, Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s blood donor all-stars.
The three South Bay residents not only donate as often as their bodies allow (the max is once every two months, or 56 days to be exact), but they also encourage others in their social circles to donate, organizing blood drives multiple times a year with 12 to 15 people signing up, each donating 1 pint of blood at a time.
“It really feels good knowing you are actually doing something for your community, and it’s such an easy way to help save a life,” said Adriana, who uses her skills as a marketer to network, organize and entice people to donate.
“Most people want to give, they just don’t think about it,” she said. “Some are nervous, others are afraid of needles, but generally people are open to it and just need a reminder, so that’s where we come in.”
The Krause family donating blood at Torrance Memorial's Blood Donor Center.
Every two seconds, someone in the world needs blood. It's a staggering statistic that underscores the constant demand for this life-saving resource. Yet, despite the critical need, blood shortages persist in many parts of the globe. It's a paradoxical situation - the demand is ever-present, yet the supply often falls short.
That’s because blood cannot be manufactured, and its shelf life is short – around 35 days if stored properly, said Wendy Pangindian, RN, who’s worked in the Torrance Memorial Blood Donor Center for the past eight years.
Platelets expire faster, around 5 to 7 days, because they must be stored at room temperature to remain functional. Plasma, on the other hand, can be frozen and stored for up to a year. These storage times ensure that donated blood components remain safe and effective for transfusion to patients in need.
“We’re always in need,” Pangindian said.
Elisabete knows first-hand the importance of donating blood. While giving birth to Adriana, she experienced hemorrhaging and her uterus was removed. During the surgery she received 8 pints of blood and was in intensive care for several days. There are around 10.5 pints of blood in the average human adult body, but this can vary based on factors such as a person’s age and size.
“I almost died,” said Elisabete, whose blood type is O+ and is in high demand because it can be given to about anyone, regardless of their blood type. “That’s when I knew I had to give back.”
She’s been donating ever since, and encourages members of her bowling league and local Elks Lodge to join in. Adriana has started recruiting the parents of kids in her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop, along with neighbors and friends.
Graphic courtesy of American Red Cross.
Who Can Donate?
To donate blood, you must meet some basic requirements, according to the American Red Cross. You must be in good health and feeling well; must be at least 16 years old in most states; must weigh at least 110 pounds; must not have traveled outside the U.S. 3 months prior to donating.
Nurses will ask some questions about your medical history and make sure you are not taking certain medications.
Those donating will also have their hemoglobin checked to make sure the body has enough iron, which is an essential mineral that helps make new blood cells.
World Blood Donor Day
World Blood Donor Day is recognized each year on June 14. This day is meant to raise awareness of the need for a safe and stable blood supply and to recognize volunteer blood donors for their lifesaving role in patient care.
Blood donations typically decline in late spring and early summer – especially during holiday weeks, like Memorial Day and Independence Day – but the need for blood and platelet transfusions doesn’t take a summer break.
Torrance Memorial makes it easy to donate. Contact the Blood Center to schedule an appointment. The entire process takes less than an hour, and you get a T-shirt and a delicious cookie afterwards.
Elisabete is a sugar cookie fan, while her daughter raves about the oatmeal raisin.
“The nurses at Torrance Memorial are so lovely. I feel like we’ve become friends, so we just get to hang out and talk,” Adriana said. “It’s by far the best experience I’ve had donating.”
If you are interested in donating blood at Torrance Memorial, contact the Blood Donor Center at 310-517-4647. The center is at 3330 Lomita Blvd., on the Torrance Memorial Medical Center campus. Free parking is available.
