When his father could no longer donate blood, John Galloway saw an opportunity as a young adult to follow him and help those who depend on lifesaving blood. At age 75, Galloway recently made his 80th blood donation to reach the 10-gallon milestone with the American Red Cross. 

“He was my motivation,” Galloway said of his father, a U.S. Air Force pilot in
World War II. “I know the value of what I do and what others do to donate, so I continue to do it and will always do it as long as I can.” 

You are never too old to donate as Galloway has demonstrated over the years. People can donate every 56 days, up to six times a year. 

A resident of Bay City, married, and grandfather of seven, Galloway is proud of the fact that he’s never wavered from giving blood as often as he can. Oftentimes, he’ll make his next appointment immediately after finishing a donation. 

While Galloway is amazed by the 10-gallon milestone, he is humbled by the path toward achieving it. 

“It was not any kind of labor at all. It was a labor of love, really,” he said. “I
felt good about doing it and I know it was helping others. What a win, win.”

With the holidays coming up, a time traditionally when blood donations soften, Galloway encourages those eligible to roll up a sleeve. 

“Everyone probably realizes what a benefit it would be, especially if you needed blood,” he said. “I’ve never needed blood, so I don’t know the feeling. If I ever did, I would probably be taken care of. It’s such a small thing to do for such a big benefit.” 

By David Olejarz, regional communications director