Blood donation becomes family tradition
Family traditions come in many forms – centering around holidays, birthdays and activities. The Van Sistine family has made blood donation one of their family traditions. One summer day, Paul Van Sistine, a long time platelet apheresis donor, asked his children, Megan, Andy and Joe, if they wanted to join him when he went in for his donation appointment. All three kids agreed to join him on the 25 mile drive to donate blood.
“I think that this is a good way for parents to make a positive impact on their kids,” said Paul, when asked why he brought his children along to donate blood. “It’s easy to do, and the staff is extremely nice. I do enjoy the coffee and cookies, but the most important thing is that it means a lot to the patients that receive these blood products.”
Paul started donating blood at blood drives held at work. In 2000, he became a platelet donor, donating platelets every 28 days. He has donated over 12 gallons of whole blood and platelet products.
While this trip was the first donation for Megan and Joe, Andy had started donating blood at the age of 17, while still in high school. He continues to donate whenever he can, and has given over two gallons of blood.
This trip was exciting for Megan, because she had always wanted to donate blood. Unfortunately, when the family reached the Blood Donation Center, she realized that she had forgotten to bring her driver’s license, or any other form of identification. Still wanting to donate, she talked with her dad and he recommended she call home to see if her mom would bring the driver’s license to the Blood Donation Center. Her mom drove the 25 miles from their house to bring Megan her ID so she could donate blood that day.
“This was a good family bonding experience,” said Megan, after her donation. “And it was easier than I thought.”
“I hope that Andy, Megan and Joe continue to donate as they grow older, and encourage their children to donate blood,” said Paul.
On that day in June, with gas prices hovering around $4 per gallon, the Van Sistine family traveled a total of 100 miles (including the 50 miles round trip to bring the needed donor identification) to donate blood and platelets, starting a new family tradition of helping to save lives.
