Stillwater resident Donna Riggs Curtis has now donated 27 gallons in her lifetime
Story provided by The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is proud to recognize Donna Riggs Curtis of Stillwater for her decades-long commitment to giving blood.
Local staff and volunteers gave Curtis a pin in honor of giving 27 gallons of blood to date. The presentation took place during the July 30 service at First Christian Church in Stillwater, just before Curtis’ appointment at a blood drive the church hosts regularly.
“If you lined up all those [containers] for 27 gallons, that’s a lot of liquid there and a lot of lives that I get to be part of their life,” Curtis said.
Curtis said her parents were blood donors, and with their permission, she donated her first half pint in Tulsa when she was 17 years old. Within a few years, her family would have a medical emergency: Curtis’ mother was hemorrhaging during a miscarriage. Curtis and her father went to the hospital and donated blood for her immediately.
“That was my starting of an obligation to life and giving because the doctor said she would not be alive without blood,” Curtis said.
She encourages everyone who is able to donate blood.
“Donna is an incredible woman with a story that speaks to all of us. We’re grateful that she’s chosen to give blood as long as she’s able to donate and touch hundreds of lives in the process,” said Debbie Jacobs, Account Manager for the American Red Cross Southwest Blood Services Region, Oklahoma District.
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
