The Thank the Donor program set up by ImpactLife (formerly the Blood Center) allows recipients to write a message of thanks to blood donors. ImpactLife forwards the message but protects the identity of both.
ImpactLife spokesman Kirby Winn says the program lets recipients share a personal message of gratitude that normally wouldn't be possible.
"Reading one here that's just come through with a photo of a woman who says: 'I so appreciate you giving blood. My goal is to see my youngest grandchild graduate from high school in 2022. Thank you so much.'
Here's another one: 'I'm a cancer patient who required a unit a blood. After receiving just half of the infusion, I was feeling better, and by that afternoon I was feeling great. You have some darn good blood. Thanks again for sharing.'"
More than 500 people have sent Thank the Donor messages since the program began in January.
ImpactLife receives 3,600 blood donations on a weekly basis, but it's expecting only 2,600 during Thanksgiving week. It's encouraging anyone eligible to donate blood. Donors can schedule an appointment through the ImpactLife website or at 800-747-5401.
ImpactLife serves more than 120 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri.
