Prolific Blood Donor Says Giving is the 'Greatest Feeling'
Albert Fischer has donated 40 gallons of blood over nearly six decades
Albert Fischer could be called a guardian angel of sorts to the countless people he has helped through his regular blood donations over the past 58 years.
On September 8, Fischer reached a crucial milestone by donating his 40th gallon of blood at the New York Blood Center, making him one of only two individuals in the U.S. who has given so much.
The 75-year-old Massapequa, New York resident first began giving in 1951 at a church blood drive in South Carolina and has donated virtually every 56 days since then.
Fischer's blood is O-positive, meaning it can be given to approximately 85 percent of patients. However, it also has a rarity known as "code 96" that makes it particularly valuable for giving to transplant patients who reject other types of blood.
When asked about his reasons for giving, Fischer said that it makes him happy to know he is helping people.
"What if it was for your mom, or if your brother needed blood? How about a neighbor? What about mankind?" he asked. "Giving blood is the greatest feeling in the world."
Sarah Beldo is a journalist in San Francisco
Celebrate the holiday season with a FREE copy of
Daily Guideposts when you subscribe
to Guideposts Magazine,
and make 2010 your year of inspiration!
Contests
Enter for a chance to win these inspiring prizes. Good luck!
• Let There Be Laughter Book Giveaway
• Lift Your Spirit Book Giveaway
Be part of Guideposts
We are a nonprofit company that searches far and wide to find, create and distribute the best inspirational stories that help you, your friends and family live a more positive, faith-filled life.
Help us with our mission:
— it might inspire someone else!
— Help us in our search. Millions of people like you rely on us!
Comments
WOW! having worked in blood
WOW! having worked in blood centers most of my career, I know how special this man is. If we had more angels like him, we would not have continuous blood shortages. He is truly a life time blood donor ( 3 years older than me). God blesses this man, my thanks to him, SaraLouise
Please login in order to post your comments.