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Monthly Donor Recognition
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Each month, Florida Blood Services recognizes our most outstanding donors.
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June 2008
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Award Recipients
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WFLA Channel 8, The Tampa Tribune and tbo.com receives the 2007 America's Blood Center's Media Award
WFLA Channel 8, The Tampa Tribune and TBO.com have been supporting Florida Blood Services (FBS) since 1988. On Thursday,
May 1, 2008, Tom Kurella, Executive Vice President, presented Mike Pumo, General Manager for WFLA, the America's Blood Center's
(ABC) 11th Annual Award of Excellence 2007 Media Award. ABC, founded in 1962, is North America’s largest network of non-profit,
community blood centers.
WFLA, and The Tampa Tribune and TBO.com held six company blood drives from October 2006 through September 2007, and collected 230
units of blood. The 18th Annual Holiday Blood Drive was held in December 2006 to help increase the blood supply for the Christmas
holidays. The drive produced 802 donors and collected 700 units of blood. This event invites neighboring blood centers to participate,
and we would estimate that the drive has regionally brought in 20,000 donors since it began.
Also in December 2006, WFLA helped FBS work with Chris Simms, quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after he was critically injured
during a game and had to have an emergency splenectomy and required five pints of blood. WFLA allowed us to use their studio at no charge
to tape a public service announcement (PSA) using Chris Simms and his family. We aired this PSA in the first quarter of 2007.
Florida Blood Services appreciates the hard work and dedication of the staff at WFLA, The Tampa Tribune and TBO.com to help save lives and
ensure our community has a safe blood supply. Their help allows our stories to reach the people that need to hear them most.
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May 2008
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Petra Stentz
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First Woman in Manatee County Reaches 100 Gallons
Petra Stentz walks into Florida Blood Services’ Manatee Donor Center every two weeks with a mission - she would like to save as many
lives as possible. She has been a dedicated blood donor since the early 1970’s, and started donating platelets in 1982. On April 8,
2008, Petra reached a milestone by donating her 100th gallon of blood.
"I wanted to do something that would save lives," states Petra. "I am very devoted to the cause. Knowing I am helping a child or a patient
with cancer is worth every second of sitting in this Apheresis chair." Platelets are used to help trauma patients, transplant patients,
and open-heart surgeries.
"Petra’s pledge to saving lives is wonderful," states Sandra Benedict, Manager of the Manatee Donor Center. "She is a wonderful woman who
gives from the heart. We don’t have to reach 100 gallons to be heroes, donating once makes you a hero in our community. FBS is grateful
to Petra for her commitment to helping others."
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April 2008
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Walter Ryan, Fred Crakow, Wayne Jeffcoat, John Burrell, and Bill Rogers
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Celebration for Five Loyal Donors
On April 11, 2008, Florida Blood Services (FBS) Kennedy Donor Center hosted a celebration for five dedicated
donors who together have donated over 2,000 units of blood and platelets. The donors being congratulated were
Wayne Jeffcoat (63 gallons), Frederick Crakow (52 gallons), Bill Rogers (52 gallons), Walter Ryan (52 gallons),
and John Burrell (31 gallons).
These outstanding gentlemen have been donating for many years. Each of them has a personal story about why they started donating.
Mr. Jeffcoat started donating blood after his wife had complications after the birth of their first child. She needed five units of
blood and he is thankful everyday for the five donors who donated because they knew someone would need their lifesaving donation.
Mr. Crakow started donating blood in New York. His family moved to Florida in 1971 and he started donating with Southwest Florida Blood Bank.
He was an infrequent donor until one day his neighbor asked him to donate blood for a family member. After that he became a regular blood and
platelet donor. Mr. Rogers started giving because a friend needed blood. He has been donating blood for 50 years and will continue until he
can’t donate anymore. Mr. Burrell served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was trained as a medic. He saw up close and personal the need
for blood transfusions. Mr. Ryan was also in the service and knew that donating blood was the right thing to do. He is now a platelet donor
and served as a voluntary member of the advisory committee for Apheresis.
"The gentlemen’s commitment to saving lives is outstanding." states Karen King, Manager of the Kennedy Donor Center, "I thought it
was time we recognize these wonderful men in our community. Since starting to donate with FBS, together they have donated blood and
platelets 2,000 times and have saved countless lives."
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March 2008
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TECO Energy Celebration
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TECO Energy Blood Donors Celebrate Success
The staff who works at TECO Energy’s 13 Tampa Bay locations recently celebrated their blood drive
accomplishments. In 2007, these employees donated 1,188 units, equating to 149 gallons of life-saving
blood. Florida Blood Services (FBS) recently commemorated TECO’s achievements by having a celebration
at Teco Plaza. Employees from all of their locations came to help celebrate at this exciting event.
TECO Energy has been hosting FBS at their locations for many years. TECO employees have given a total
of 15,423 units of blood. The person responsible for the success of these blood drives is Ms. Judy Butts,
C & I Customer Service Representative. She coordinates the 13 blood drives with the help of blood donor
representatives from each site.
"The employees’ commitment to saving lives is exceptional." states J.B. Gaskins, Vice President of Donor
Systems for FBS. "It’s wonderful to have a group of people who care so much about the patients in need of
life-saving blood. FBS staff would like to thank these individuals for the pledge they have made."
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February 2008
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Moffitt Celebration
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Moffitt Cancer Center and Florida Blood Services
Celebrate Blood Donors
The staff who work at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center know the importance of donating blood and platelets - they
see patients everyday that receive blood products to survive. Florida Blood Services (FBS) recently helped
celebrate Moffitt's accomplishments by having a celebration. More than 80 people were in attendance at the
Vincent A. Stabile Research Building to be honored for their accomplishments.
From January 2007 to December 2007, Moffitt employees donated 876 units of blood and blood products, which in
turn helped save 2,628 lives. Andrea Mathews, the chairperson for Moffitt, is in charge of organizing
six different blood drives. She is always encouraging people to sign up to give the gift of life and has
increased Moffitt's donations every year.
"The employees' commitment to saving lives is outstanding." states J.B. Gaskins, Vice President of Donor Systems
for FBS. "It's great to have an organization that cares so much about the patients they serve. From the top level
on down, their mission is to help patients and their families in anyway that they can."
FBS would like to thank the employees at Moffitt Cancer Center for allowing us to hold blood drives and for their
dedication to saving lives.
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January 2008
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John Gordon and Frank J. Aumack
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Frank J. Aumack: 100-Gallon Donor
Frank J. Aumack is a retired postal employee who has been donating blood and platelets for most of his life, beginning
in 1958, when his aunt needed a blood transfusion. He has been saving lives for almost 50 years, and reached his 100th
gallon on Wednesday, January 16, 2008.
"Frank is not one who likes the attention," states Jackie Frawley, Donor Charge for the Largo Donor Center. "He donates
for all the right reasons, and we appreciate him so much."
Also on January 16, the Largo Donor Center had a surprise visit from another blood donor. John Gordon, an 88-gallon donor
from San Diego, California, is a winter visitor to Florida. He joined in the celebration with Frank, congratulating him
on his 100th gallon.
Thank you, to both of these gentlemen, for all they do for patients in the Tampa Bay area.
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December 2007
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Charles Canniff and the Tampa North Staff
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Retired Serviceman Reaches 80 Gallons of Blood Donated
Retired serviceman Charles Canniff has accomplished many things in his life. On Thursday, December 13, 2007, at the
Tampa North Donor Center, he donated his 80th gallon of blood. Florida Blood Services (FBS) honored Charles for his
devotion to helping patients in the Tampa Bay area, by hosting an 80th gallon celebration.
"Charles's commitment to saving lives is outstanding." states Annie Godoy, Manager of the Tampa North Donor Center,
"He is a champion to us all and we should all follow in his footsteps of giving back to others. I thought it was
time we recognize a wonderful citizen in our community. Since starting to donate blood and platelets, Charles has
donated 641 times and potentially has saved 1,923 lives."
Charles started donating blood in 1955 when he served in the military. He started donating whole blood because
serviceman would always receive a free meal and a glass of whiskey. He also worked at TECO for 31 years and donated
blood on the bloodmobile. He was recruited to start donating platelets and has done so ever since. Once he realized
how much blood can help save lives he has continued to donate for over 50 years. Charles and his wife Margaret also
helped during September 11th. They volunteered every day by greeting blood donors and handing out refreshments. Charles
has also volunteered at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, Meals on Wheels and Epiphany Catholic Church.
Thank you to Charles for his dedication to saving countless lives in our community. He is a true hero.
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November 2007
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Bradenton Christian Graduates
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Graduates From Bradenton Christian
Are Dedicated Blood Donors
Philip Catalano, John Diem, Jan Braam, Christian Huth, Tim Pye, James Wilson and Johnny Giraldo have
been friends since they attended high school at Bradenton Christian. They have done many things together.
They started donating blood together in 1986, and, together, they have donated over 26 gallons of blood,
potentially helping to save 249 lives.
"It is great to see a group of gentlemen come in together to do something great for the community," states
Sandy Benedict, Manager of the Bradenton Donor Center. "They are champions to this community, and we should
all follow in their footsteps of giving back to others. It is time that we recognize a wonderful group of individuals."
We offer our thanks to these outstanding men who started and continue a great tradition. We hope they will continue for
years to come.
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October 2007
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Pat Pedraja
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Pat Pedraja To Meet The First Match
From "DRIVING FOR DONORS" Campaign
Pat Pedraja is a very special 12-year-old. About a year ago, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
While receiving chemotherapy, he learned that others were waiting for a marrow match as their last hope to live.
When one friend died, Pat did not want this to happen again. So on April 17, 2007, Patrick began DRIVING FOR DONORS.
He and his family drove across the country in a special "Donormobile" hosting marrow drives in 32 cities in three
months and added over 5,000 donors to the National Marrow Donor Program Registry.
One of Pat's first events with DRIVING FOR DONORS has already produced a donor, Jessica Eberl, who donated for a 55 year
old male with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. At the event, Pat will get to meet Jessica for the first time.
"It is a wonderful thing, what Pat has done for the thousands of people needing a bone marrow transplant," said J.B.
Gaskins, Vice President of Donor Systems for Florida Blood Services. "He is a genuine hero and young people around
the country have a true role model to look up to. He is really concerned with saving the lives of others who need a
lifesaving bone marrow transplant."
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September 2007
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Joyce Saugstad With Her Quilt
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Dedicated Blood Donor Creates A Work Of Art
Every eight weeks Joyce Saugstad and her husband Maynard Saugstad come into Florida Blood Service’s St. Petersburg
Donor Center with a smile on their faces. She comes in to donate blood and help save three lives and Maynard is there to support her in her efforts. They both started donating when they were in their 20's.
Joyce and Maynard have been married for 41 years and have 14 children. One of their children, Karen, likes to make quilts,
so Joyce decided to send her daughter some of the t-shirts she received when she donated to make a quilt. Joyce brought
the quilt in to be displayed on the wall inside the donor center.
"Joyce and Maynard's commitment to saving lives is outstanding." states Christy McGarry, Manager of the St. Petersburg
Donor Center. "The idea of the quilt is wonderful and we are proud to display it in the donor room."
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August 2007
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Gene Hink and the Kennedy Donor Room Staff
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Retired Navy Diver Donates 70 Gallons of Blood
Retired Navy Diver Gene Hink has accomplished many things in his life. On Friday, May 18, 2007, at the Kennedy
Donor Center, Gene donated his 70th gallon of blood. Florida Blood Services (FBS) honored Gene for his devotion
to helping patients in the Tampa Bay area, by hosting a 70th gallon celebration.
"Gene's commitment to saving lives is outstanding." states Karen King, Manager of the Kennedy Donor Center, "He is
a champion to us all and we should all follow in his footsteps of giving back to others. I thought it was time we
recognize a wonderful citizen in our community. Since starting to donate with FBS he has donated blood and platelets
561 times and potentially has saved 1,683 lives."
Gene started donating blood in 1968 when he served in the military as a Navy Diver. A co-worker's son had recently been
diagnosed with Leukemia and Gene felt like he needed to do something to help. He decided to start donating blood in
honor of his coworker's son thereby helping to replenish the blood and platelets the young boy had used. Once he
realized how much blood can help save lives he continued to donate for the next 39 years. He will continue donating
blood and platelets as long as he is able.
Thank you to Gene for his dedication to saving countless lives in our community. He is a true hero.
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July 2007
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Members of the Riverview High School SGA
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America's Blood Centers Honor Riverview High School
At their recent meeting, America's Blood Centers(ABC) honored Riverview High School with a High School
Award due to their exceptional blood drives with Florida Blood Services (FBS). ABC is North America's
largest network of non-profit, community blood centers of which FBS is a leading member.
Riverview High School students and faculty have given 1,376 donations of blood during this 2006-2007
school year, with one more blood drive to be held. Every whole blood donation can be separated into
its three main components, thus helping to save up to three lives. Therefore, potentially 5,128 patient
lives in the Tampa Bay area were saved by these caring individuals during this school year. On May 1,
2007 FBS celebrated their accomplishments by hosting a giant pizza party for the faculty and students.
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June 2007
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Blood donors from Catalina Marketing
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Catalina Marketing Win the 2007 Carillon Challenge
Every year there is a challenge between the businesses which reside in the Carillon Business Park.
Bill Protz always heads up the challenge for Catalina Marketing. Every year they have a great
turn out and 2007 was no exception. Catalina Marketing won the Carillon Challenge and was
presented with a trophy during the 2007 celebration event. Florida Blood Services would like to
thank everyone who helped save lives by participating in the Carillon Challenge.
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May 2007
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Richard Wungluek donating at the Wesley Chapel Donor Center
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Wesley Chapel Donor Reaches 53 Gallons
Richard Wunglueck began donating whole blood at the age of 18 in Illinois and continued to donate when he moved to
Florida in 1983. In 1987, he had close friends who developed cancer and were being treating with platelets, so
Richard decided to check into the process to start donating platelets. He has been donating every two weeks
since then and has now reached an impressive 53 gallons donated.
Florida Blood Services would like to thank Richard for all the time he has dedicated to donating blood and all the
lives he has saved in the community.
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April 2007
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Theresa and Stuart Stevenson
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Husband and Wife Blood Donors Reach 106 Gallons
Every two weeks Theresa Stevenson walks into Florida Blood Service's Largo Donor Center and knows she is going to help
save lives. She is a true hero, a loyal and dedicated donor who has been donating platelets at the Largo Donor Room
since 1997. Theresa reached her 50th Gallon of blood donated on March 20, 2007.
Theresa was one of the first brave employees at Baxter Healthcare to try Apheresis and has remained a regular
donor throughout the last 10 years. The platelets she donates help the blood clot, so they are very important to
trauma patients, transplant patients, and open-heart surgeries.
"Theresa’s commitment to saving lives is outstanding." states Jackie Frawley, Manager of the Largo Donor Center, "She
and her husband are champions to us all and we should all follow in their footsteps. Theresa and Stuart together have
reached 106 gallons and have potentially helped save 848 lives."
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March 2007
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Bobbie Bernstein and Don Doddridge, CEO of Florida Blood Services
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Committed Blood Donor Reaches 76 Gallons
Bobbie Bernstein is going to help save lives in her community because she has been a dedicated blood donor since 1977.
She has been donating platelets since August 2, 1993. "I want to challenge everyone to donate blood and help save as
many lives as I have." states Bobbie. She donates platelets which help the blood clot, so they are very important to
trauma patients, transplant patients and open-heart surgeries. By donating platelets, you can also help cancer patients
whose platelet count has diminished. It takes six to ten whole blood donations to equal one platelet donation.
"Bobbie’s commitment to saving lives is outstanding." states Jackie Frawley, Manager of the Largo Donor Center, "She is a
hero to us all and we should all follow in her footsteps. We don’t have to reach 76 gallons to be heroes, donating once
makes you a hero in your community. If everyone would donate two or three times a year, we would not have blood shortages."
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February 2007
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Dell Ward showing off his 100-Gallon license plate.
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Dedicated Blood Donor Reaches 100 Gallons
Dell Ward knows he is going to help save lives in his community because he has been a dedicated blood donor since 1959. His
first started donating because his boss needed the blood. He is now 76 years old and reached his 100th Gallon.
Dell has helped save many lives throughout the years. "I want to challenge everyone to donate blood and help save as many
lives as I have." states Dell, "Catch me if you can." He donates platelets which help the blood clot, so they are very
important to trauma patients, transplant patients and open-heart surgeries. By donating platelets, you can also help
cancer patients whose platelet count has diminished. It takes six to ten whole blood donations to equal one platelet donation.
"Dell’s life long commitment to saving lives is outstanding." states Sandra Benedict, Manager of the Manatee Donor Center, "He
is a hero to us all and we should all follow in his footsteps. We don’t have to reach 100 gallons to be heroes, donating once
makes you a hero in your community. If everyone would donate two or three times a year, we would not have blood shortages."
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January 2007
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Don Doddridge, CEO of Florida Blood Services, Bob Wise, Business Services Technician for Verizon, and Ron Corgan,
Verizon Area Manager
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Dedicated Blood Donor Celebrated for Accomplishments
Bob Wise is a Business Services Technician for Verizon and a 35 gallon blood donor and educator to the community. FBS
recently celebrated his accomplishments and his dedication to supporting the cause to helping save lives.
Bob has participated in the 5 Points of Life Bicycle Ride to promote the donations of Blood, Platelets, Organ/Tissue,
Cord Blood and Marrow. The participants ride across the country encouraging individuals to make a commitment to start
saving lives. Bob has also ridden his bicycle in a similar ride across Africa.
When Bob is not working he stops and visits the different FBS donor centers to check up on the staff and donors. He
educates his colleges on the reasons they should donate. Bob is a first rate citizen of this community and we commend
him for his devotion to saving lives.
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