Valley Hospital, donors honored by INBC

“Keep on doing what you’re doing” is what blood donation recipient Steve Farnsworth said during the Spokane Valley’s first Inland Northwest Blood Center multigallon blood donor recognition at the Valley Hospital and Medical Center on Monday.

The INBC honored 29 Valley donors who gave 10 gallons or more of blood. Each received a certificate and a multigallon lapel pin.

“It’s not a small thing they are doing,” said Mark Gelhaus, community services manager. “We are one of the building blocks of the local health-care system. They are an integral part of a bigger picture.”

One Valley couple honored at the event, Delmer and Marie Bault, together donated 35 gallons of blood, which in turn helped over 840 patients. Delmer, recognized by INBC as a prolific donor, has given 20 gallons since 1955.

“It gives you a sense of helping people,” said Marie Bault. “You know someone needs that blood.”

In addition, INBC presented the Valley Hospital and Medical Center a plaque recognizing the valued partnership they share. Another plaque honored the facility for being the top mobile blood unit in 2006 with 888 units of blood collected.

By sharing his experience, Farnsworth brought home the reality of how donors can affect someone else’s life.

“This is what I would have missed,” said Farnsworth, holding up a picture of his family. “I don’t take life for granted anymore.”

A hemophiliac, suffering a hereditary blood defect characterized by delayed clotting of the blood, Farnsworth almost bled to death after a simple surgery in 1988. It took two blood transfusions, equivalent to 405 units of blood, four months apart, to save his life.

“What you’re doing is a great thing,” Farnsworth told the donors. “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you.”

The Valley Hospital became the official Valley collection site for INBC in April 2005. Since that time, the site almost doubled its operation, going from 485 units in 2005 to 888 units in 2006.