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Shreveport, LA – July 21, 2008 – Each summer, the nation’s blood centers frequently remind the public about the need for additional donors to help ease annual summer shortages in the blood supply. The public is reminded that the need for blood never goes on vacation.
Last week, Lake Charles resident Marcus Jackson learned just how important it can be to a patient who needs a blood transfusion. The dedicated blood donor was on a family vacation when his older daughter, Katrina, received a phone call asking for Jackson to donate blood. Katrina called her father at their Hot Springs, AR, vacation spot, passing along the urgent message.
“We were planning on going home the next day, and decided to stop at LifeShare’s Shreveport blood center on our way home,” said his wife, Gloria Jackson. “When we learned that the blood was for a particular patient, we understood the full picture.”
Jackson has a rare blood type that is found in only one in 1,000 African-Americans. The blood type isn’t found at all in other races or ethnicities. LifeShare Blood Centers participates in the American Rare Donor Program, supplying blood with rare and special traits to patients throughout the nation, and in this case, internationally.
“The patient is a baby in London [England] that hasn’t been born yet,” said Shannon Long, a Medical Technologist in LifeShare’s Reference Laboratory. “The baby will receive Mr. Jackson’s generous blood donation via an in utero transfusion. Because of the fact that the baby is unborn, we had to have blood compatible to both the mother and the baby. We are so grateful to Mr. Jackson and thrilled that LifeShare can help provide life-saving blood for this little one.”
“It’s a blessing to be able to help someone. It feels good when all the pieces come together,” said Mrs. Jackson. “It’s all part of the Lord’s plan.”
Mr. Jackson, 52, has been a regular blood donor since he was in his early 20s. He regularly donates through his employer’s blood donor program at ConocoPhillips in Westlake. When asked how it feels to know he is helping save the life of a baby halfway around the world, the quiet man of few words says with a shy smile, “I am glad to do it.”
“I hope this will encourage others to donate blood, especially members of the African American community,” urges Mr. Jackson. “To donate blood is quick and easy, and the reward of helping someone is priceless.
The Jacksons’ 14-year-old daughter, Eboni, proudly accompanied her father. She wants to follow in his footsteps and become a blood donor when she becomes old enough at age 17. “It’s cool. You get to help people,” said the proud daughter of the quiet hero.
Donors may give blood at any LifeShare Blood Centers location or on mobile blood drives. For more information about blood donation or to find a conveniently located donation center or mobile blood drive, visit www.lifeshare.org. |
