Giving the gift of life
P
aul Renfro, of Carterville, seems like an unlikely hero. Renfro, born and raised in Monett, went into the construction business with his brother after graduating Monett High School, building houses for 35 years. In 1998, he met his wife, Vickie, and moved to Carterville, commuting to work each day. Four years ago, Renfro left the construction field and began his job at the Kay Concrete terminal in Monett. If one wonders what it is about this “regular guy” lifestyle qualifies Renfro as a hero — albeit a modest one — it’s because every 56 days, after leaving work, he stops off at the local American Red Cross donation location to “give the gift of life.” “I have a calendar in my truck with the dates circled, along with the information on the location of each blood drive,” he said. “It always takes place on a Monday, so I donate right before I go to a friend’s house for guy night.” And while that may seem a trivial thing to some, the fact that Renfro’s total donations of more than 25 gallons, has served more than 75 people facing a medical crisis. Four types of transfusable products can be derived from blood: red cells, platelets,
Local blood donor reaches 25-gallon milestone Story by Melonie Roberts
plasma and cryoprecipitate. Typically, two or three of these are produced from a pint of donated whole blood, and each donation can help save up to three lives. Blood cannot be manufactured — it can only come from donors. Type 0-negative blood (red cells) can be transfused to patients of all blood types. It is always in great demand during medical emergencies and is often in short supply. Type AB-positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all other blood types. AB plasma is also usually in short supply. Once collected, blood can be separated into three different components — red cells, plasma or platelets — and utilized in a variety of ways. Just one transfusion dose of platelets can be obtained through one aphaeresis donation of platelets or by combining the platelets derived from five whole blood donations. Most donated red blood cells must be used within 42 days of collection. Donated platelets must be used within five days of collection — new donations are constantly needed. Plasma and cryoprecipitate, used on patients to prevent or control bleeding when their own blood does not clot properly, are stored in a frozen state and can be used for up to one year after collection. But Renfro has given little thought to all of this behind the scenes work, or the benefits that others receive from his contributions. “I know my blood has probably helped save someone’s life, but I don’t think about it that way,” he said. “I figure I have blood, and [others] need it.” Renfro began donating blood when
Paul Renfro
Honored for 25-gallon blood donation
he was young. “Used to be, you had to be 18 to donate blood,” he said. “But, if you had a parent’s signature, you could start donating at 17. After I turned 17, my parents, who both donated blood, and my dad said the bloodmobile would probably be in town the next day. He just turned to me and said, ‘Your mother will sign for you.’ I really didn’t think about it. He was just very matter of fact, and I have been donating ever since.” The first time he donated, Renfro had some reservations. “I wasn’t really nervous — until I saw the size of that needle,” he laughed. “But after the first time, it’s not been an issue. I’ve been fortunate to never have gotten light headed or passed out.” Renfro said even though he has donated blood all of these years, no one he knows has been a recipient. “I know my mom had surgery, but I don’t know if she received blood,” he said. “And I know several people who have been in accidents, but never injured to the point that they needed blood. I don’t think I personally know anyone who has received blood.” But the need is out there. According to statistics from the American Red Cross, more than 38,000 blood donations are
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 43
