Mexico blood donors reach admirable milestones

Every donor is special. Every reason is unique. Four local blood donors – who have reached the 20-gallon mark or who have just given generously – recently shared their reasons for giving the gift of life.
Each has experienced first-hand how blood donations help save lives. Between the four, they have given 665 units – which equals nearly 84 gallons of blood.

Robert Kalkofen – the man with the golden arm
Robert Kalkofen, one of the highest record-holders in the Mexico area, has been giving blood since he was 19. Now 80, the selfless Samaritan has given 205 units, which averages out to a little more than 25 gallons. His first donation was made in 1951 while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, and that deed earned him a three-day pass. That was the start of his lifelong commitment as a blood donor. He also donates plasma and is an organ donor.
Kalkofen's O negative blood type makes him a "quite popular" donor. Both his of brothers, Lloyd and Jerry, are also O negatives and devout donors. While they can accept only their own blood type, anyone can use their donations. And the demand, Kalkofen said, is generally high.
Kalkofen's donations have helped many people. One instance was for the mother of a family friend, Pat Lawrence, and another was a local family whose son was a hemophiliac. Kalkofen gave to this young man several times.
"It makes you feel good to know that you’re helping to save a life," he said. His son, Bob, “who just gave blood Monday,” is carrying on the family tradition.

Charles DeVault – four generations of donors
Charles DeVault has made nearly 180 donations in his 40 years as a blood donor, which equals a little more than 22 gallons. Now 80, he started donating in 1972 at age 26. His father was a donor, which encouraged DeVault to give. The retired rural mail carrier has given every year since, up to six times a year. His last donation was last week at the Missouri Veterans’ Home blood drive in Mexico and DeVault said his plans are to wait 56 days and "do it again," if he's able.
Being a donor, DeVault said, is his way of "passing a blessing along to someone less fortunate," and he definitely understands the importance of giving. His wife, Georgia, has received a few blood transfusions.
"It was good to know that someone was there when we needed them," he said.
The Audrain County native is also a volunteer on the Red Cross Disaster Team, and has assisted both tornado and fire victims. The Rolla tornado in 2011 was his last trip out. DeVault's generous nature is a gift from his father and one that has been passed on to his offspring, Ted and Fred DeVault, and one grandson, Evan. All three are devout donors. The proud grandfather has five other grandchildren he hopes will follow suit. His brother, Don and two brothers-in-law, Walter and Todd Paden, are also donors.
"Giving blood is very important, because you never know when you could be the one in need."

Lyndell Farrah – the right thing to do
Lyndell Farrah chose to donate blood for the first time in 1963 while serving in the U.S. Navy, because his brother had leukemia and required several blood transfusions. Giving blood, Farrah said, was his way of giving back to the Red Cross. When his brother died a year later, Farrah was overseas. The Red Cross contacted him and brought him home for funeral and Farrah has felt forever indebted. To date, he has donated 154 units of blood, which equates to about 19.2 gallons.
"I felt like I owed them something for that," he said graciously.
In November 2011, Farrah had a heart attack and has since been unable to donate blood. Per physician’s orders, Farrah said he won't be able to donate again until later this summer, given his doctor's release. The last time Farrah gave blood was Oct. 30, 2011. Seven days later he had his heart attack.
"I would still give if I could, but I have no choice. You can't give if you are sick or have other complications," Farrah said.
Like 10 percent of the population, Farrah has a rare type blood, A negative. So giving is vitally important. Farrah hopes to be back on board soon. Aside from helping those in need, he said he misses the friendships he has formed with other the donors, and (jokingly) the "free food" that is served with each donation.

Pat Schindler – inspiring others to give back to their community
Pat Schindler, a long time blood donor and supporter of the Audrain/Montgomery Chapter of American Red Cross is temporarily not donating, due to medications she is taking for being anemic. Normally, she gives blood five times a year. The last time was in April 2011. She has donated a total of 126 units, which equals 15.7 gallons.
Schindler started giving blood in her early 20s, following in the footsteps of her father, who gave regularly. He was AB negative, she is O positive, and her husband, Dwight shares her blood type. However, their two daughters are O negative, which is rare. Her father's negative type blood, Schindler said, is where her children got the O negative blood type.
Schindler will find out in March if she is able to start giving again. She is anxious to get back on schedule. What she misses the most, Schindler said, is her community involvement. For many years, she and her husband served on the Red Cross board and took disaster training through the local chapter. Dedicated volunteers, she noted, are always needed.
Other notable donors in Mexico are: Phillip Iman, 19.5 gallons; Johnny Fry, 18.25; James Scott, DC, 15.8; Lois Curtis, 15.1; and Gail Woolridge, with 15. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.
"The American Red Cross thanks these donors for their repeated donations, but it's not just us saying 'thank you,'" said Dan Fox, communication associate with American Red Cross Biomedical Service in St. Louis. "The patients who receive the lifesaving blood, as well as their families and friends also owe a debt of gratitude to the volunteer blood donors who take an hour out of their day to help save lives. It doesn't take much to be a blood donor, but it could mean a lifetime to a recipient, and these donors are helping in ways they may not imagine.
"The Red Cross encourages everyone eligible to become a blood donor and join the ranks of those who have donated, and continue to do so."
Blood donations help millions of patients in need every day. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. Type O can donate to anybody. Type A can donate to As and ABs. Type B can donate to Bs and ABs, and type AB can donate to other ABs, but can receive from all others. O positive is the most common blood type. Not all ethnic groups have the same mix of blood types. African Americans and Hispanic people, for example, have a relatively high number of Os, while Asian people have a relatively high number of Bs. Caucasians have high number of both As and O positives.
Upcoming blood drives in the Mexico area are:
• Feb. 23: Audrain Medical Center, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Feb. 27: Brookstone, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Audrain-Montgomery Red Cross Chapter, 11:30 -4 p.m., Red Cross office.
For more information about donating blood, hosting a blood drive, or giving blood, call (573) 581-4273.