Blood Donor Spotlight: David McGrew -

In honor of National Blood Donor Month, I thought it would be fun to feature a few blood donor stories on the blog.

Meet blood donor David McGrew, a 28-year-old real estate broker from Portland. In addition to being an incredibly dedicated blood donor (he donates as often as possible), he also happens to be one of the funniest and raddest people I know. (I’m not sure if “raddest” is technically a word, but it’s completely necessary in describing David.) Our friendship goes way back to the late 80s, and includes Hypercolor t-shirts, Street Fighter II, family trips to Black Butte, and competitive games of Spoons.

The Red Cross Portland Donor Center is located near David’s work, so I see him here with his parents (also blood donors, and two of the finest people I know) about every two months. Here’s what David has to say about being a blood donor:

How do you spend your time when you’re not at work or donating blood?

Following my Oregon Ducks and Portland Trailblazers, playing basketball, and hanging out with my friends.

What’s your blood type?

AB+

When did you start donating blood?

2007

Why did you start donating?

My grandmother’s life was prolonged due to other people’s donations, so it seemed like the right thing to do. Additionally, my parents had been donors for a long time.

How often do you donate?

Every two months.

Do you know how many pints you’ve given?

Why do you donate blood?

It’s an easy way to help save lives and make a difference.

What’s your favorite part about donating blood?

I go with my mom and dad, so it’s cool to do it as a family.

Anything you’d like to tell those out there who haven’t tried to donate blood?

Just try it once. It takes very little time, and you only have to go every couple months. There are a lot of people out there that need blood, so every pint helps make a difference.

Thanks to David for being one of the raddest blood donors around (and for letting me feature you on the blog!)

P.S. If you’re looking for a house in the Portland area, David’s definitely the guy to call.

Photo: David at an Oregon ducks game.