Richard Keating does not think of himself as extraordinary. He is just a man who rolls up his sleeve every few weeks, sits in the donation chair and gives his platelets. But as years passed, these small acts of generosity have added up to a true milestone.

Keating has given a part, five hundred parts to be exact, of himself so that someone else, someone he will never meet, can have another chance at life. “It is really fulfilling to me,” Keating shared about his donation journey.

To rack up such an impressive record, Keating started donating whole blood when he was in college. Thanks to a suggestion from a coworker, he went to a blood center, learned more about the constant need for platelets and found out that he had a great platelet count. So, he made the switch and now donates platelets every two weeks. The two-week frequency gives Keating a great deal of satisfaction, “especially as I feel that I am doing what I can to help cancer patients going through chemotherapy,” he shared. More than half of platelet donations go towards this purpose.

The importance of blood donation was further highlighted when his father-in-law needed surgery many years ago. The true driving force behind Keating’s generosity, however, is his wife, Michelle. As a retired oncology nurse and breast cancer survivor, she understands better than most the lifesaving power of platelets.

Keating’s generosity doesn’t stop with donating his platelets. He also volunteers with the Red Cross as a blood transportation specialist, transporting blood and platelets to St. Louis area hospitals. “I was sitting right here in this chair, donating platelets, when I saw a Red Cross volunteer come in and pick up the boxes of donated blood,” Keating recalls. With his interest peaked, Keating inquired about the position and signed up. “It brings it full circle for me, I can help on both ends which truly brings me joy.”

“Rick is very thorough and takes his volunteering seriously, as if it were his job. He is very calm and is a pleasure to work with and always asks what else he can do,” said Brain Mintner, who manages the transportation routes. “He is a huge asset to our program, and not just as a driver because he has also trained new volunteer drivers.”

Keating has been a transportation specialist for over two years now but still vividly remembers his very first delivery which was to Children’s hospital. An encounter with a young patient in the elevator made a lasting impression. “It reinforced the need to donate platelets, that I am doing the right thing and I will do it as long as I can,” Keating shared.

Whether it is donating his platelets or delivering blood products to hospitals, Keating says “I am happy to help”. His generosity serves as a reminder that one person’s commitment can ripple outward to make a profound difference in the lives of others.

You too can make a difference, by donating platelets today! Visit redcrossblood.org for more information and to find a donation site near you.