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November 2008 |
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25-gallon blood donor wins season tickets |
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Wednesday, April 02 2008 |
By BECKY HAND
Community editor
If a man gave every drop of blood in his body, he could only give from 10 to 12 pints, according to the American Red Cross.
But Marlin Leininger of Columbia City has given 25 gallons and two pints. How did he do it? Over time. More than 30 years time.
He started back in 1964, but didn’t begin his every-eight-weeks routine until 1965 when he started work at General Electric.
“Back then they would come around to the factories and plants” to collect blood, said Leininger. And since he had O-positive blood, which is the only type that can be given to anyone, “They loved me.”
He’s been giving so long now, that his blood vessels have scar tissue, and sometimes it’s difficult to stop the bleeding, but he keeps on giving. He doesn’t seem to think much of it, just saying matter-of-factly that he does it, “To help people.”
A blood donor doesn’t usually hear who he has helped, but Leininger remembers once that he gave for a specific patient, a child of Tim Thomson’s, a former classmate of Leininger, and he got a “real nice thank you card.”
But thanks came to Leininger in a big way Tuesday morning when he was presented with a certificate good for two season tickets to the Mad Ants, with upper level sideline seats. This gift came from a drawing that was held for anyone donating blood from March 17 to 22, and Leininger signed up grudgingly saying that he never won anything. So when he got the call, he was very surprised.
Amanda Banks, of the American Red Cross, presented the certificate to Leininger at the CC Deli which stated, “For giving the gift of life.”
Leininger and his wife Marcia, both lifelong residents of Columbia City, have four children who are all close by: Debora (Carl) Bridegam, Mike (Carol) Leininger, Dave Leininger, and Lori (Bill) Leeuw, who all live in Whitley County. They also have 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter who will be one year old in May.
Leininger retired in 2001 after almost 36 years at General Electric and his wife Marcia runs the Leininger Day Care out of their home. “So, I’m retired, but I still do some electrical work, to get out of the house,” chuckles Leininger.
If you are at least 17 years of age, and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, you can give blood. It only takes about an hour, with the actual donation time just 8 to 10 minutes. Shortages in the blood supply generally occur during the holidays and the summer months, with type O and B the most needed. The American Red Cross would be glad to give you more information, or let you know where to go to give, just call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or see www.givelife.org.
The season tickets that Marlin Leininger won are worth $960, but the blood he gave over the years and that he says he will continue to give, to the many people receiving it, is priceless.
Upcoming American Red Cross blood drives in Whitley County include:
Wednesday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Whitko High School, located at 1 Big Blue Ave. in South Whitley. All presenting donors at this drive will receive a T-shirt.
Thursday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the United Methodist Church located at 605 N. Forest Parkway in Columbia City.
(Sidebar):
According to Bloodbook.com, here are some general facts about blood:
There is no substitute for human Blood.
Blood makes up about 7% of your body’s weight.
An average adult has about 14 to 18 pints of Blood. (The American Red Cross says 10 to 12 pints.)
One standard unit or pint of Blood equals about two cups.
Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all of the body.
Blood carries carbon dioxide and other waste products back to the lungs, kidneys and liver for disposal.
Blood fights against infection and helps heal wounds.
One unit of donated whole Blood is separated into components before use (red Blood cells, white Blood cells, plasma, platelets, etc.)
There are four main blood types: A, B, AB and O.
Each blood type is either Rh positive or negative.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, April 03 2008 )
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