November 14, 2003

Appreciation for the most precious gift

MGHers realize the need and know how important it is to donate blood and platelets to help MGH patients. For fiscal year 2003, approximately 2,249 donations to the MGH Blood Donor Center came from MGH employees. The MGH Blood Donor Center showed its appreciation to these dedicated employees at the fourth annual Employee Blood Donor Recognition Luncheon Oct. 29. Close to 150 employees were recognized for donating four or more times a year, and 78 were acknowledged for donating blood or platelets five or more times a year.

Christopher Stowell, MD, director of MGH Blood Transfusion Services, recognized two donors with special awards. Sally Morton, RN, of the Burn Unit, received an award for making 12 donations, and Leslie Bailey, of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, received an award for making 10 donations.

Bernarda Strauss, MD, of MassGeneral Hospital for Children and a former patient at the MGH, shared her experience with receiving blood and platelets from the Blood Donor Center. After being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma while in medical school, Strauss estimated that she used more than 20 units of blood and 10 units of platelets. "Most recipients of blood products do not get the chance to say thank you. On behalf of the thousands of patients who have been helped by your donations to the Blood Donor Center, I thank you," said Strauss. "Without the generosity of donors, I would not be here today."