Mike Rosen shares why he donates with Unyts:
I have been a pints for half pints donor for quite some time now. I have donated on and off through the years, first with the American Red Cross and then with Unyts when they came into the area. I like knowing that Unyts keeps the majority of its donations in local hospitals. Once I learned I was part of the pints for half pints program, it was great to know where and who my blood donations are going to, kids in need at Buffalo’s Women & Childrens Hospital. Helping the tiniest of babies has to make anyone feel good!!
I have had a grandmother and uncle who have had open heart bypass surgeries and my mother in law had emergency surgery approximately 1 1/2 years ago, resulting in a valve replacement. Also, my grandfather had an accident in the summer of 2014 where the riding lawnmower he was on rolled over on him, requiring his to be Mercy Flighted to ECMC for treatment and I believe he received blood.
In addition to all of the above, I have been a volunteer firefighter for about 13 years and an EMT for about 10 years. While performing those duties, I have been involved in many situations where the need for blood existed, seeing and treating various types of injuries. I am sure many I have treated would not have survived without blood donations and an adequate supply of blood on hand.
People should know that giving blood allows others a chance continue to live their life, battle through serious injuries or illness, and takes really no effort. A little bit of time out of your day can make the difference of someone else making it to see another day. And the staff at Unyts has always been so friendly and easy to work with that before you know it, your donation is complete.
Knowing my blood donations go to the babies at Women & Children just makes for such a good feeling knowing that some of the tiniest babies have a chance at one more day, or week, or years!