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Negaunee
man reaches blood donor milestone
Romback donates at U.P. Regional Blood Center for the 300th time
Reuven Romback is treated to a cake by Jackie
Piper, blood donor recruiter at the Upper Peninsula Regional
Blood Center Blood Donor, based at Marquette
General Hospital. The Blood Center was in the celebratory mood, following
Romback’s 300th blood donation on Monday, Feb. 16. Romback, a Negaunee
Township resident, has been donating blood for 45 years. (MGH photo)
Reuven Romback of Negaunee gave his first pint
of blood when
he was in basic training in the United States Air Force.
The year was 1959. Forty-five years later, he’s still at it.
On Monday, Feb. 16, Romback reached a milestone of sorts when he donated blood
for the 300th time at the Upper Peninsula Regional Blood Center in Marquette,
a service of Marquette General Health System.
The 63-year-old Negaunee Township resident was treated to a cake for his lifelong
decision to give the Gift of Life and help save the lives of others.
“For the little time it takes, it does a lot for people,” Romback
said. “We know that blood is needed every day, but very few people do it.
It’s a simple thing for me to do … to give a few minutes of my time
to save other people’s lives.”
Romback played an instrumental role in getting Cleveland Cliffs, Inc., to begin
a blood donor incentive program for its employees. In addition, he helps organize
blood drives at his church.
“I try to get as many people involved as I can,” Romback said. “The
process itself is easy.”
Jackie Piper, blood donor recruiter at Marquette General, applauded Romback’s
accomplishment.
“Reuven’s dedication to donate to us is very much appreciated,” Piper
said. “We are very thankful to him and others who give of their time
to give the Gift of Life.”
To be eligible to donate blood, a person must be in good health and generally
must be at least 17 years of age. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds. All
donors must pass the physical and health history examinations given prior to
donation.
The Regional Blood Center supplies blood products on a regular basis to 12 Upper
Peninsula hospitals, including Marquette General.
For more information about the Upper
Peninsula Regional Blood Center, call 225-4610
or 1-800-591-4483.
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