Mick Householder was out for blood Friday morning.
And the Morgantown chapter of the American Red Cross loved him for it.
He even wore a short-sleeve shirt for the occasion.
Well, check that.
Not the shirt. The occasion.
Said occasion may have been more like a milestone, actually.
Or, a “sort-of” milestone, as he said, smiling.
Householder, who transports special-needs students as a bus driver for Monongalia County Schools, turned out at SteppingStones in Mylan Park with his arm already turned up — so he could donate blood.
SteppingStones lent its gym to the cause for the day.
For him, the milestone part came in because Friday marked the 101st time he’d donated, since he started officially counting.
That “sort of” vein he was pulsing was because he knew he had donated a lot more times previous to 100-plus.
Householder just wasn’t counting then.
A former boss stressed community service and encouraged employees take part in the blood drives that never missed a beat.
“I just wish I’d been paying attention when I first started,” Householder said.
“It would be pretty interesting to know how many times I’ve given.”
He still wouldn’t know how many people he’s actually benefited though, Leeann Nuzum said.
Not likely.
“Can you imagine?” asked Nuzum, a senior technician with Red Cross as she prepped his arm for the jab.
“One pint of blood can potentially help three people,” she said.
“That adds up. Especially when you’re this guy.”
There’s the transfusion for someone seriously injured in a car crash.
And the red cells and platelets for another undergoing treatment for cancer or a chronic blood disorder such as Sickle Cell Anemia.
Maybe there’s a medical emergency during a difficult pregnancy.
It only takes around 20 minutes to give, Nuzum said.
You can schedule online at redcross.org she said. There’s even a “blood journey” app where you can follow the path of your donation.
Householder, meanwhile, appreciates his Red Cross journey — whether it’s 101 donations or 1,001.
“Makes me feel good,” he said. “And you are helping people when you donate blood.”
Nuzum was quick and efficient.
“OK, sir. You’re done. Thank you, thank you.”
“See you next time.”
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