Menu
Donor gives 9th gallon
Monna Knight, 68, of McCook has given a lot of blood. It is something she started a long time ago.
"It is something I can give back to my fellow man," Knight said about why she donates blood.
On Thursday, her donations reached nine gallons.
"I realize more than a lot of people the importance of giving blood," she said.
Her brother suffered an aneurism in January and would have died if the 27 units of blood he needed had not been available.
"That's the only reason he is alive -- that, and God," Knight said.
When donating, only a pint is taken in one sitting. Knight has given blood at least 72 times in her life and she will keep giving.
"I'm gonna keep going until I'm too old," she said.
The McCook Chapter of the American Red Cross had a goal of getting 95 pints of blood and they made 82 percent of their goal.
Even with efforts in McCook and surrounding communities, blood is always needed.
People can donate every 56 days if they are in good health, at least 17 years old and over 110 pounds. But that is just the start. There are many things that a person must NOT have to be able to donate. Prospective donors must make it through a list of health obstacles (including diabetes, sexual health, cholesterol and needle use) before moving on to a short physical exam that tests temperature, blood pressure, pulse and blood cell count. If donors pass all the tests they can donate. It takes around 10 minutes to donate and afterwards donors must relax and enjoy refreshments. It takes 24 hours to replace donated fluids and six weeks to replace the blood cells. It's easy and safe. Something Monna Knight can confirm, 72 times over.
For more information about giving blood, log on to givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.