By Cass Bonfiglio, American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region Volunteer
Every two months, Las Vegas resident Ed Hartry puts a lifesaving superpower into action – for his hometown and the nation. Ed is an officially recognized American Red Cross super donor, having given an amazing 30 gallons of blood over that last 50-plus years, helping to save hundreds of lives.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, and Vegas resident since 1971, Ed has donated blood for decades, first in the US Navy, where he served from 1956-60 and received training as an electrician. After the Navy, he went to work for Con Edison in New York and continued helping others.
“At a Con Ed blood drive, I had fasted prior to donating,” Ed recalls. “Apparently, that made my blood particularly suited to babies. And I felt so happy knowing I could be helping safe the lives of three or four babies with my one donation.” The realization of a blood donor’s power to save lives was born and grew from there.
“In Las Vegas, I worked for Nevada Power, which also held blood drives,” Ed says. “I was a regular donor there until retirement.” But his blood donation has continued, and he wants to pass this superpower onto others.
“These days my daughter goes with me and also gives every two months,” Ed explains. And he hopes he can reach those who don’t already donate blood. “Anyone can feel better knowing they are helping somebody else,” he stresses. “I always feel great when I gives blood, emotionally and physically.”
The Las Vegas super donor says it’s also empowering to know who receives his blood and why. “I get an email telling me where my blood has gone and how it is helping – that’s all I need to feel great about my donations.”
Ed assures he doesn’t plan to stop donating blood anytime soon. “I’m already scheduled to donate at the end of the month, and at 83, my commitment remains the same,” he stresses. “I’ll give until I can’t.”
Start your own lifetime of giving
For Information on blood drives, blood donation or appointments, as well as creating your personal blood donor account, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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