By Keira Canan

Helping others is something that comes naturally for Jim Getz of Revloc, Pennsylvania. Since he was a teenager, he has donated blood with the American Red Cross. He is now 68.

What began as regular blood donations grew into something more.

When Getz’s father-in-law was battling cancer 30 years ago, Getz recalled him needing platelets. Platelets are a key clotting component of blood and are often needed by cancer patients. After a nudge from a doctor he met through his work in pharmaceutical sales, Getz decided it was time to trade his regular blood donation for a regular platelet donation.

“Unfortunately, my father-in-law didn’t live much past that time, but I keep donating platelets because I know what people go through when a loved one has cancer,” said Getz.

Getz has a standing appointment once a month to donate platelets at the Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Johnstown. By giving platelets regularly, he and donors like him can help patients fight cancer and recover from other life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

Getz recognizes the impact of his decision to donate.

“The cool thing about platelets is you get to see where they’re going; they send an email,” Getz said. “I had our postmaster stop me to say she felt sure that her husband got my platelets today because someone told her that the donation came from our town, and she said that he’s never felt better!”

Getz’s regular platelet donations segued naturally into his next volunteer role with the Red Cross as a blood transportation specialist. In this role, Getz delivers lifesaving blood products to area hospitals.

“The whole experience is very user-friendly. Everything is done on your cell phone, and it just lays it right out in the app and tells you what to do next,” explained Getz.

Getz’s help in transporting blood products is essential, especially because platelets must be transfused within just five days of donation. Demand in hospitals is constant, and that’s why there is always a need for new and current donors to donate blood products. Getz recognizes this need and even attends Red Cross recruitment events to help spread the word about the need for donations.

“I would encourage people to just give it a try. Have the commitment and patience and know that you’re helping kids with cancer and people who really need these platelets,” said Getz.

While he enjoys a busy retirement, from traveling with his wife to helping their children renovate their homes, the Red Cross is never far from the Getz family’s life.

“It’s sort of passed down now. My wife and two of my daughters donate blood too, and because of my donation, it got others to donate too, which is good. That’s what it’s all about,” said Getz.

To learn more about how to become a blood or platelet donor, visit RedCrossBlood.org for more information and to schedule an appointment to donate.