For father and daughter giving blood is a family affair

For many families, Father’s Day is a time to pamper all dads. For one family, it’s also a time to honor the legacy of giving that has passed from father to daughter, touching countless lives in the process. 

Dennis Thompson began donating blood more than 20 years ago. “There was a blood drive at our church for someone who needed blood,” said Dennis. Painting a picture of that day, he said, “We got to sit and watch TV! That was cool! So, I could go give blood, and get hours of peace and quiet!”

His first donation has led to more – many, many more – with Dennis passing his 40-gallon mark on blood donation earlier this year. And his dedication has also inspired his daughter, Holly Sackett, to become a blood donor, too.

Holly watched her dad give blood for years. Then, the need for blood hit close to home for her. “A friend was in the hospital and got seven transfusions,” said Holly. “She wouldn’t be here if she hadn’t had blood. It means more knowing my friend’s life was saved!”

Now, both Dennis and Holly are on a mission setting lifesaving goals. Dennis wants to reach the 100-gallon donation mark and Holly sought to hit one gallon before turning 40 years old. In April, they shared a unique moment together as they both achieved significant donation milestones – Dennis gave his 40th gallon donation and Holly reached her one-gallon donation at the same blood drive.

For this father-daughter duo, giving blood is a family legacy. “We’re in this together! We give blood! It’s an easy way to help somebody,” said Holly.   

Blood is unlike other medical treatments since it cannot be stockpiled or manufactured in a lab. The only source of blood is generous donors.

As the world begins to reopen, the Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. The Red Cross urges eligible individuals who are feeling well to please make an appointment today to give by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED-CROSS.

With more and more individuals receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, the Red Cross wants people to know that, in most cases, there is no blood donation deferral time after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. However, knowing the name of the vaccine manufacturer is important in determining blood donation eligibility. View more on blood donation and COVID-19 vaccines.

Blood and platelet donors of all types are needed this month to help ensure blood products are available for patients now and into summer. In thanks for making it a summer full of life, those who come to give June 14-30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card by email.