Amazing
Charleston Veteran Heroic Yet Again – Donates 50th Gallon of Blood
Doctors and medical professionals around the world are always on the lookout for blood donations. Blood transfusions first truly began in the 1600s and it wasn’t for hundreds of years until we realized just how medically important and potentially life-saving the process was. More than just an advocate for blood banks, medical professionals understand the pure importance of having a supply of healthy blood available for transfusions. On an annual basis, more than 4.5 million Americans will require a transfusion. This is where a veteran from Charleston named Don Schaefer steps into our story!
Don Schaefer had served in the Cold War in 1956. It was at that time that surgical operations were in immediate need of additional blood supplies. Don would speak with WAND-TV regarding his work giving blood by saying, “They were having a serious operation, and they would ask for recruits to donate.” Hearing a need and ready to meet it, Don would begin donating his own blood more than 60 years ago, a practice that he has continued with pride up to this day.
Don was recently recognized for donating his 50th gallon of blood (and two pints — he’d add proudly) when the news began covering his story more in earnest. Don has given more than 400 donations in order to reach this large amount of donated blood. 402 donations, to be exact, is what it took for Don to reach 50 gallons and an additional pair of pints. Don has remained humble throughout his work giving blood back saying, “I would go and donate my blood because it is not difficult.”
According to Don after a conversation he had with the American Red Cross, each pint of blood that Don gave would go on to save at least three lives. Don would go on to explain that he was able to track where his blood donations went throughout the country, pointing out that his blood had gone to Arkansas, Nashville, and even Tennessee.
While Don is proud of giving blood, the American Red Cross has to be careful that they aren’t taking too much. Don told reporters at WAND-TV that he had been prevented from giving any more blood following his 50th total gallon, apparently running up and over the limit for the year. Don said, “The Red Cross marked me and gave me a red flag.”
Even though Don had to stop giving for a few months for his health and safety, he doesn’t plan on giving up donating any time soon. Asked when he would stop donating blood Don replied by stating that he’d continue ‘as long as he felt good’. Don went on to say that he couldn’t tell anyone when he’d plan on stopping.
Outside donating blood to the American Red Cross and serving in the United States military, Don would donate his platelets while also inspiring others within his family and community to do the same. Through Don’s interview with WAND-TV, he even managed to get the reporter to agree to donate their blood.
With so many people requiring blood transfusions around the world, it is incredibly important for medical professionals to maintain a steady supply at their blood bank. Roughly every TWO seconds, someone in the United States or Canada will be in need of a blood transfusion of some varying volume.
One of the most important areas impacted by a lack of blood availability is in the cancer ward, where nearly one million Americans are diagnosed every single year. With 37% of the United States population eligible to donate, currently, less than 10% of citizens actually do.
Be like Don — give back when you can!
Amazing
Rescue Dog Leads Police to Injured Owner, Hailed as a “True Hero”
A loyal rescue dog named Gita is being celebrated for saving her elderly owner’s life after leading a police officer to a remote cabin where the man lay injured.
In rural Stevens County, Washington, Gita, a 13-year-old rescue dog, refused to leave her owner’s side after he suffered a serious fall. Police were unaware of the situation until Deputy Wright, on a routine patrol two weeks ago, spotted Gita sitting in the middle of the road with no homes in sight.
The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office shared the remarkable story on their Facebook page, emphasizing the critical role Gita played in the rescue. After attempting to coax the dog into his vehicle with no success, Deputy Wright sensed that something was wrong. He searched the nearby area within a mile radius but found nothing and trusted his instincts to keep following Gita.
“Gita is a 13-year-old rescue and best friend to the man in trouble,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Had it not been for her, the outcome could have been much worse. We owe this rescue to Gita’s loyalty and quick thinking.”
When the dog led the officer down a lesser-known roadway, Wright discovered a small summer cabin. It was there, not far from the cabin, that he found the 84-year-old man on the ground, injured and calling for help. The man had fallen, hurt his leg, and required his regular medication due to other health issues.
While the sheriff’s office hasn’t released further details about the man’s condition, they praised both the deputy and Gita for their actions, concluding their post with: “Thank you, Deputy Wright, for your dedication, and thank you Gita, for being a good girl and a true hero.”
A family member of the elderly man shared her gratitude online, noting that he is her 91-year-old mother’s cousin. “We are so thankful to Deputy Wright and the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office. And of course, Gita, for being there when it mattered most.”
The story quickly gained attention, with many applauding both the officer’s instincts and Gita’s heroic behavior.
Amazing
Utah Woman Donates Kidney to Man She Met on a Hike
In an inspiring turn of events, a Utah County woman donated her kidney to a man she had only recently met on a hike.
Krissy Miller crossed paths with Shiller Joseph while hiking on Y Mountain, near Brigham Young University, in September 2023. During their chance meeting, Miller, a 49-year-old mother of four, learned that Joseph was in desperate need of a kidney. Without hesitation, she offered one of hers. Following medical tests, it was confirmed that they were a compatible match.
The story took an even more heartwarming turn when, after their initial encounter, Miller presented Joseph with what appeared to be a box of rolls. But inside the box was a sign that revealed her incredible gift — she would be his kidney donor.
On Monday, the pair reunited at Intermountain Health in Murray after a successful transplant surgery. Their emotional meeting came after months of preparation and surgery that gave Joseph, 45, a new chance at life.
Joseph, who has lupus, had been on the kidney transplant waiting list for some time. The average wait time for a kidney transplant in the U.S. is three to five years, with more than 90,000 people currently waiting for a life-saving organ. The National Kidney Foundation estimates that around 20 people die each day while waiting for a transplant, underscoring the critical need for organ donors.
Miller’s decision to donate her kidney without hesitation showcases the profound impact one person can make in the face of overwhelming need. This act of kindness not only saved Joseph’s life but also shines a spotlight on the importance of organ donation.
Amazing
A Young Hero for Hens
Harriet, a 12-year-old from Chart Sutton, Kent, is making a difference in the lives of farm hens. Every Saturday morning, she volunteers with Fresh Start For Hens, a local charity dedicated to finding new homes for commercial egg-laying hens.
These hens, typically 72 weeks old, are often destined for slaughter when their egg production declines. However, Fresh Start For Hens buys them from farms and rehomes them as pets.
At collection points like the one in Aylesford, Harriet helps transfer over 100 hens from farms to their new owners. The charity ensures potential adopters provide suitable living conditions for the hens, requiring photos of coops and runs, along with a minimum donation of £2.75 per bird.
Many of these hens arrive in poor condition, sometimes even bald from stress-induced feather pecking. Harriet explains, “They get quite bored, so they peck each other and rip out their feathers.” Remarkably, after a few weeks in their new homes, most hens regain their feathers.
Harriet’s dedication earned her the BBC Young Reporter award. She hopes her story will inspire more farmers to choose rehoming over slaughter for their hens. As Harriet puts it, “It makes me feel proud that I can do something for these chickens, save their lives and give them to these happy families.”
The charity operates entirely on volunteer efforts. Petrina Thomas, who leads collection mornings, believes they’re all motivated by a simple principle: “the love of hens.”
Amazing
Social Media Miracle: Stranger’s Selfless Act Saves Baby’s Life
Amazing human kindness helped give a six-month-old girl named Helin Dinlera second chance at life. It’s all thanks to the generosity of a stranger who responded to an urgent online plea. Helin, diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening liver condition called Biliary Atresia, faced a grim prognosis without a liver transplant.
When no family members were found to be suitable donors, Helin’s mother, Anna Shushura, turned to social media in a desperate attempt to find help. Her emotional appeal caught the attention of Letty Fenlon, a 27-year-old show jumper from Yorkshire, who felt compelled to act.
Letty, already registered as an organ donor, underwent extensive testing and was confirmed as a match for Helin. Despite the risks associated with major surgery, Letty’s determination to help prevailed. In May, she underwent a six-hour procedure to donate a portion of her liver to the infant.
The transplant was successful, and now, at nine months old, Helin is thriving. While she still requires regular medical check-ups, her progress has been remarkable. Helin’s family expresses immense gratitude towards Letty, whose selfless act has given their daughter a chance at a normal life.
Amazing
Trust and Perseverance: The Remarkable Rescue of Lessie from the Boundary Waters
A heartwarming tale of survival and rescue has emerged from Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, where a German Shepherd named Lessie was found after being lost for 55 days. This story highlights the importance of trust-building and community effort in reuniting lost pets with their families.
Lessie’s ordeal began when she escaped following a car accident on the Gunflint Trail near Grand Marais in late June. The Retrievers, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding missing dogs, immediately mobilized to assist in the search.
After a month of uncertainty, hope was rekindled when Lessie was spotted near Ham Lake, miles from the accident site. A Minneapolis-based volunteer, familiar with the area, stepped up to help. Armed with guidance from The Retrievers and his previous experience, he set up camp to search for Lessie.
The volunteer’s patient approach proved crucial. Using food and a trail camera, he gradually gained Lessie’s trust over several days. His persistence paid off when he finally managed to leash Lessie and lead her to safety, facilitating an emotional reunion with her owners.
Jennifer Cadigan of The Retrievers emphasized the intelligence and resilience of dogs, noting that Lessie likely survived on discarded fish remains from nearby campsites. This remarkable story serves as an inspiring reminder to never lose hope when searching for a lost pet.
The successful rescue of Lessie after nearly two months in the wilderness underscores the effectiveness of combining community involvement, expert guidance, and unwavering determination in resolving missing pet cases.
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