“When I gave blood for the first time, they did some testing and found that my platelet counts are really high. From then on, they recommended I try platelet donation finding it most helpful for patients in need,” said Ashutosh Shinde on how he began donating platelets—the clotting portion of blood. “I’ve been doing this for more than five years, and I’ve been donating platelets at the American Red Cross Columbia, SC location for the last three and a half years.”
Every 15 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs platelets. About 2 million units of platelets are transfused each year, nearly half of which are given to patients undergoing cancer treatments. Platelets also give strength to patients with blood disorders and those with transplants, and platelets can help patients survive major surgeries or serious injuries.
“I find it is the purpose of my life to save lives by giving platelets. My mom used to donate blood regularly in India even though she had a full-time job taking care of her kids and three more from my uncle who was living with her,” said Ashutosh. “It was a busy life for her. Even still, she found time to give blood and help people. That influenced me to start donating blood.”
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