Blood Donor Highlight

Growing up, Matthew always had a deep interest in the community and charitable giving. Despite his humble means, he has always looked for opportunities to engage in community service, whether it was as a patrol leader in his local BSA troop, as a youth volunteer in the Town of Tonawanda Youth Engaged in Service Program, and eventually serving as a community representative on the Kenmore-Tonawanda Youth Board.

While pursuing his bachelor’s degree at The George Washington University, his dedication to volunteer work did not end. Over the course of his undergraduate studies, he took part in various local service projects and initiatives throughout the Washington, DC Metro Area. And yet, he had never donated blood prior to 2021, in large part due to a lifelong fear of needles.

He had plenty of vaccinations in his lifetime, and he always understood the importance of blood, tissue and organ donation, but the idea of actively drawing blood from his arm was always somewhat unsettling to him. It wasn’t until he returned home from college during the COVID-19 pandemic that he realized now would be the opportune time to overcome his childhood phobia while making a contribution to the community in his home region of Western New York.

At ConnectLife, everyone on staff was incredibly professional, courteous, and highly knowledgeable about the blood donation process. They clearly explained the donation process, particularly as it applied to double red cell donation. They even discussed the more intricate details about the machinery and instruments involved with the extraction of the red blood cells and the return of the blood plasma to the bloodstream. The process itself was pain-free, with almost no discomfort whatsoever before, during or after the procedure. As a first-time blood donor, Matthew was refreshed that his inquisitiveness and mild anxiety were greeted with a welcoming and patient demeanor from all personnel.

As someone with a residual trypanophobia, or fear of needles, Matthew was pleasantly surprised by the affable reception he received from ConnectLife’s resident phlebotomists. He left Connectlife’s blood donation center genuinely considering becoming a regular blood donor. If you have never donated blood before, Matthew can absolutely relate to your concerns, but once you undergo your first donation, those fears will quickly melt away. Knowing that an extremely small amount of time and personal discomfort could ultimately save the lives of multiple people, he assure you that you will feel much fulfilled afterwards.

While I would be happy to donate to anyone on Planet Earth who may need it, it is most certainly beneficial that local donations are given to local patients, especially here in the City of Good Neighbors. Ensuring a consistent, self-sustaining and readily available blood supply keeps transportation costs low, streamlines supply chains which improves access to lifesaving units, and fosters a sense of fraternity with our fellow Buffalonians.