By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

Our lives can change in a moment, posing difficulties, presenting challenges. In many of these instances, the American Red Cross is there to help, including providing life-saving blood when a transfusion is needed. Such was the case for Paul Wadowick of Ashtabula County. After he was diagnosed with blood cancer in the spring of 2021, Paul went from being a lifelong blood donor to being a blood recipient. Paul, who is also a Red Cross volunteer, was gracious enough to speak with me about his background and experience.

Paul has dedicated himself to assisting others throughout his life, and his parents were an early inspiration. Paul became aware of blood donations in the 1950s when his father, a universal donor, had a capability test for another person’s open-heart surgery. His mother was also a donor. Paul followed suit, and from 1968 until 2021, donated 137 units (17 gallons + 1 unit) of blood, helping to save many lives in the process.

While donating blood in 2021, he became aware of a problem. As part of our services, Red Cross blood donors receive a mini-health screening, including a hemoglobin test. Paul’s iron level had dropped dramatically. Shortly thereafter, he was working as a Blood Donor Ambassador at another blood drive, took the hemoglobin test again, and knew he had to see doctors. He learned he had blood cancer and began undergoing chemotherapy.

In October 2021, Paul received a “High Chemo” 15-day treatment, where he received two units of  platelets, which are a component of blood. He recalled hearing how a donor of whole blood can save many lives. It then hit him that his was now one of those lives.

Thankfully, Paul’s cancer is in remission, and he continues his volunteer work with the Red Cross, mainly as a Blood Donor Ambassador, in addition to other community service.

Paul’s sense of responsibility and service is lifelong. As the third oldest in a family of 10, he assisted in the care of younger siblings and household chores. He was also class “dean” in his high-school seminary, volunteered in a long-term hospital, and found his calling in social work. After earning his degree and certification, Paul spent decades as a social worker, mostly at a long-term-care facility, while continuing his community service, including with the Boy Scouts. Paul and his wife, Denise, raised two sons.

After retiring in November 2015, Paul became a Red Cross volunteer in January 2016. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and credits his faith for his perseverance, gifts, and outlook.

Melissa Papini, a Red Cross Blood Services Account Manager, pointed out that Paul has been a Blood Program Leader with the Knights of Columbus for almost four years, recruiting over 400 donors and collecting 382 units of lifesaving blood.

Paul cited several favorite experiences as a Red Cross volunteer, especially photographing volunteer recognition celebrations, smoke alarm installations, and blood drive events in ways that tell a story. He also enjoys coaching and easing blood donors through the process and sending them home with a “Thank You.” And while he can no longer donate blood, he is happy to help recruit, organize, and bring in donations from others.

For anyone considering donating blood, Paul asks,  “What would you do if you needed blood?” and reminds us that we may find ourselves, like he did, in a position where we or a loved one need it.

To schedule a donation, please visit www.redcrossblood.org.