By: Kara Witsoe, American Red Cross Volunteer

The epitome of a lifesaver, one 85-year-old man has helped countless numbers of people survive and thrive after disease, injury, and illness. Mike Jackson’s gift is necessary for survival. Blood helps the body fight infections, regulate temperature, and acts as a transportation system for oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. Mike’s blood has helped hundreds of people throughout the country over the past several decades.

Mike hails from Northern California and now lives in Spokane. He worked in mortgage banking for 35 years before starting his own home inspection company. While dedicating decades to his career, he always made time to donate. Mike first sat down and rolled up his sleeves over 60 years ago.

“I have been giving blood since 1964. My father-in-law was the manager of the Yakima Valley Red Cross Center and also the Northwest manager of the Red Cross blood program,” shared Mike. “He invited me to the blood center and that started me on my journey to donate over 23 gallons of blood and counting.”

Donations are urgently needed. Mike’s have helped people suffering from severe infections, Sickle cell and other diseases, complications from childbirth, surgery, trauma, and many other conditions. He has the rare, universal O-negative blood type, which is found in only 7% of the US population and can be transfused into anyone with any blood type.

“I give blood less often now, but it’s always in demand,” he shared. “I donate because I know it can help save lives. I plan to continue donating,” he said. “My personal satisfaction is that I know my blood type is rare, and if called, then I can help.”

Like Mike, you can improve the health and extend the lives of others. He’s visited Red Cross donation centers nearly 200 times throughout his life – but it only takes one time to change a life. Make an appointment for yourself, your family, friends, or co-workers today.