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1-800-223-6667 |
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Proud to serve as the only blood supplier to your community hospitals. Serving Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Lehigh, Luzerne, Montgomery, |
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The Stories...
Jeff’s pride does not come from how many gallons he has personally donated, but rather that blood donation has become a right of passage in his family. His children counted the days until their 17th birthdays, so that they could join their father on his next visit to the Blood Center. When Jeff visited MKBC on Nov. 12, he was not alone. Joining him were his children Amanda, 28; Jonathan, 23; Samantha, 20; James, 19; Brandon, 18; and Leslie, 17, who donated for the first time. Also joining them were Amanda’s husband, Joseph Petrarca, and Jeff’s wife, Lynda, who also donated for the first time. Increasing transfusion demands already exceed the number of blood donors. As the population ages, this demand for blood will only increase. In order to ensure that a safe and constant stream of blood is available for premature infants, accident victims, cancer patients and others in need, more and younger blood donors are needed. Jeff’s example to his family has encouraged them to contribute to the community by becoming blood donors at an early age, instilling in them the habit and commitment of becoming a life-long blood donor. When Jeff walks through the doors at the Blood Center, many of the receptionists, collections specialists and canteen attendants know him by name. Only, don’t call him Jeffrey. “Only two people may call me Jeffrey – my mother and my wife,” he smiles. “Since you’re neither, please call me Jeff.”
"Gavin was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease at the age of two. Because of his illness, Gavin experienced multi-organ failure, including bone marrow failure. His body did not make the blood he needed to survive. Gavin also experienced frequent bouts of sepsis, also causing his blood count to plummet even further. Gavin received on average, weekly red blood cell transfusions, as well as other blood products. Gavin's life depending on the selfless act of blood donation. Sadly, Gavin passed away on November 8, 2009. Because of blood donations, we were able to have an amazing 3 1/2 years with our little boy!" Karen Owens, Boyertown, PA
The Sobjak / Buckley Family, Oley, PA
"Big things come in small packages, like Caroline. Born on January 30, 2008, 16-weeks premature and weighing just 1 lb, 5 oz. Thanks to blood donations, state-of-the-art technology and prayers, Caroline has a fighting chance. In the first three weeks of her life she received 5 life saving transfusions. Caroline's parents acknowledge the hurdles she must face, but given the opportunity, this tiny champion is ready to fight for her life!" The Okoniewski Family, Montgomery Co., PA
Bob, Liz, Melissa, Jessica & Robby Koczot, Berks County, PA
"On Monday, I was in Orlando having a wonderful time swimming with dolphins and riding rollercoasters with my grandchildren. By Saturday, I was in intensive care and spent seven weeks in the hospital recovering from an unusual blood disorder called Thrombolic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (TTP). Amazingly, the treatment that saved my life came from nearly 800 caring people who generously donated the gift of their plasma and blood. I just never realized how important donated blood is because it can save the lives of family and friends within our community. including mine." Pauline Steigerwalt, Andreas (PA)
" TheSchuetz Family, Mohnton, PA
"The end of September, 1981, was a very terrifying time for me. My pregnancy caused me to have a blood disorder called idiopapathic thrombocyclpenia, ITP for short, (low platelets). If the doctor would have delivered my son before this was known, I would have bled to death. I received 11 units of platelets. Back then, they didn't have the trima (automated collections) machines, so it took over 80 people to save my life! I am so thankful and grateful for all the donors who have donated so I could spend 35 years with my husband, raise my daughter and son, and get to spend time with my grandson!" Debbie Bozes, Allentown (PA)
"In 2006, Vinny Ferdock was burned over 50% of his body from an alcohol fire and explosion in his back yard. Vinny lost all of the skin over his triceps, on his left hand, under his chin and around his ears. His surgeons were able to graft his arms and hand, but not his chin and neck areas. Vinny required two pints of blood the night of the accident, and over the next two weeks would require blood, plasma and other blood products as his condition improved. When he went back for additional surgery, he once again received blood. Vinny was initially treated at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, then Life Flighted to Lehigh Valley Health Network. His family is grateful to both hospitals for their expert treatment of their son. And they are also thankful to MKBC for having the blood products available that saved their son's life. Vinny returned to his family after a mere 22 days in the hospital, and thought it will be at least two years before he is completely healed, Vinny is doing just fine." The Ferdock Family, Montgomery County, PA
"In 1967, I drove my motorcycle to the Auburn Dam to go waterskiing with a friend. When the boat motor failed to start, I volunteered to ride my bike to get a new spark plug. I had gone a mile or so on a narrow, rough macadam road when I came to a hill with a sharp right curve. That is the last thing I remember. Several days later, I finally awoke in a revolving hospital bed. The doctors were trying to get circulation into my left leg, in order ot save it from amputation. I also learmed the doctors were considering amputating my right arm because it was missing tendons and muscles. Eventually the doctors had to amputate my left leg. Not being aware of too much through six (6) operations and a 104-degree fever, I finally awoke to some form of reality. That is when I found out that I almost died in the emergency room. I had an almost head-on collision with an Oldsmobile 88. Witnesses said I was thrown 45 feet into the air. When I landed, I was disemboweled, and bleeding profusely from my abdomen, my left arm and right leg. My left leg was smashed. Back in the mid-60s, there was no EMS servicer as we know it today. It took over an hour and a half for the volunteer ambulance to get me to the hospital, and because of the long delay, I had no pulse, only a heartbeat. I was later told that I had lost 90% of my bloo, and that my surviving was nothing short of a miracle. In order to give me transfusions, the doctors had to cut the ankle of my right leg to find a vein. I was told that I received mroe than 40 pints of life-sustaining blood. I had often donated before my accident, but after the accident I learned first-hand how important donating blood really is. Once I regained my health, I began donating on a regular basis, and am still doing so today. Every single day, I am grateful to those who gave their blood. In doing so,they saved my life. They are heroes." Lawrence Alati, Shoemakersville, PA
"During routine bloodwork in July 2005, Bill Montanaro's family doctor realized there was cause for alarm, as Bill's red cell count was abnormally low. Bill was later diagnosed with Myelofibrosis. Myelofibrosis is a disorder in which fibrous tissue replaces the blood producing cells in the bone marrow. Consquently, red blood cell production decreases, fewer red blood cells are released into the blood stream, and anemia develops. It was then, Bill explains, that he want from a 'workaholic' to a man who appreciated every day to the fullest with his wife and best friend, Roseann. He was especially grateful to the dozens of blood donors who saved his life, and until September 2006, when he lost the courageous battle against his disease, he was often seen at blood drives, where he volunteered as a donor aide, while his wife, Roseann, served in our canteen." The Montanaro Family, Boyertown, PA
The Batdorf Family, Pottstown, PA
Ken Graves, Cochranville, PA
The Heintz Family, Perkiomenville (PA)
Alicia Rodriguez, Bethlehem (PA)
Tammy Rank Blandon, PA
The Baldwin Family Berks, County, PA
Harvey and Sue Hohl, Berks County (PA)
Diana Perez, Bethlehem (PA)
"My dad, Ellis Neely, passed away 6 years ago after suffering with leukemia for 8 years. Had it not been for the blood transfusions he received regularly over those 8 years, he would not have lived as long as he did. My dad had been a blood donor for many years, and knew the importance of donating. Three times each year, I coordinate blood drives at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 with him in mind." Peggy Stoudt, Nazareth (PA)
" Timothy Kita (PA)
"As a mother of three young children, a wife and friend to others in the Lehigh Valley, it is hard to imagine that my life could have been in jeopardy without any warning. At 38 weeks of pregnancy, I experienced one of the scariest moments of my life, as I suffered total placenta abruption, which threatened the life of my baby and me. I was rushed to the operating room of our local hospital, where the doctors had to perform an emergency Janeen Freiss, Nazareth (PA)
Jerry Block, Allentown (PA)
" Robert Ditro, Slatington (PA)
"In February 2003, I underwent triple heart bypass surgery, and received several units of blood. Three weeks later, I felt well enough to attend a blood drive meeting at Sacred Heart Church in West Reading, as our parish nurses were planning to host our first blood drive with Keystone Community Blood Bank. As an active parish nurse, I believe it is important that people realize the vital role the Blood Bank plays in our community. Many people do not realize that the process of donating blood is quick, easy and completely safe. People should not wait for an emergency in order to donate? they need to understand that the need for blood and blood donors exists every day." Betsy Adams, Wyomissing
Dr. Robert and Carolyn Coni, North Whitehall Twp, PA |
When asked why he donates blood, Allentown resident Jeff Lukow says the answer is simple: “For the cookies.” Six times each year, Jeff visits MKBC to donate blood. To date, he has donated nearly 13 gallons of this life-saving resource, although he rarely pays attention to the numbers. He doesn’t have a personal story tied to the need for blood. He has never received a blood transfusion. Nor has he had a family member or friend impacted by the need for blood. He simply does it because it is needed. When Lukow began working as an aide at the Allentown State Hospital, the upcoming hospital-sponsored blood drive caught his attention. With his growing family, spare money and free time rarely existed. Donating blood required little of either. And as
someone with the O-negative blood type, he understood that his donation could be used by anyone in need, regardless of their own blood type. He didn’t need to know whom he helped, just that he had. 
"Colton is an amazing four-year old who was recently diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia. This came as a complete shock to our family. He loves baseball, Tom and Jerry, Spongebob and he always knows what the temperature is outside! As part of his treatment, Colton has received red cell and platelet transfusions. As a family, we’d like to thank all of you for the love, prayers and support that have been given in this hard time.”
"May 19, 2007, was any parents’ nightmare… our 12 year old daughter Jessica suffered a life threatening hemorrhage. She was rushed to the E.R. with severe bleeding, and her hemoglobin reached a dangerous low of 6, requiring a blood transfusion immediately. I tried so hard to stay under control, praying the doctors would not ask me to leave her side as she asked, “Mommy am I going to be o.k?” The blood transfusions began, but the bleeding didn’t stop. Saturday the nightmare continued, as more red blood cells were transfused, but the hemorrhaging would not stop. On Sunday, a dear friend delivered the message at all three services, to our Church family at Glad Tidings: “We need your prayers, we need a miracle.” Our prayers were answered, as doctors determined the next step, which was a transfer to the I.C.U. and then to surgery, for an arterial embolization. The bleeding finally stopped, but a few additional transfusions were required. The doctors are Hershey Medical Center, and The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, are still trying to research the cause of what happened to our daughter. She required a total of nine units of red blood cells, and four units of fresh frozen plasma. We are extremely grateful to have our daughter, and cannot thank enough our doctors for their efforts; our family and friends for their prayers and outpouring of support; and the blood donors of Miller-Keystone Blood Center for giving the gift of life. On September 22, we held our first blood drive in Jessica’s honor, to increase awareness of the importance of blood donation. On that day, our daughter had the honor of writing down her parents’ names as first-time blood donors. You never know when you or someone you love will ever need blood. Thank you for being heroes!"
Shealyn was a healthy, athletic 12-year-old girl who played tennis, softball and basketball. In late summer and early fall of 2004, she began experiencing dizziness, shoulder pain and migraine headaches. Following a scan at the end of October, she was diagnosed with medulloblatoma, a form of brain cancer. Shealyn faced brain surgery, radiation and chemotherapy with great courage. During her year of chemotherapy, she required IV nutrition and frequent red blood cell and platelet transfusions. We knew there was a platelet shortage, and each time Shealyn's levels dropped to a critical level, we prayed there would be enough platelets available. We realized them that blood products need to always be available at a moment's notice, or someone irreplaceable could die. We are thanksful to the blood donors who helped save Shealyn's life, and we are happy to report that she is now a happy 14-year-old, well on the road to recovery"
"No one ever understands the importance of plasma donations - until someone you know receives them. Meet 15-year-old Aaron. Two years ago, while burning branches in his family's yard, Aaron's clothing caught fire and 30% of his body was ravaged by flames. Although Aaron has no memories of his treatment, his family recalls every unit of blood, every unit of plasma, every prayer, and every healthcare professional responsible for saving his life."
"In 1998, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After surgery to remove my kidney, I began chemotherapy. When I completed the chemotherapy, my doctors discovered an infection in my bloodstream. If it had not been for the quick attention of my doctors, massive doses of antibiotics, and volunteer blood donors, I would not be here to hold my first grandchild. Thank you to my doctors, nurses, and the countless people who gave their donation to save my life"
"Although 4 years, 8 months and 6 days doesn't seem like a long time, to Ally it was a lifetime. Ally impressed everyone with her ability to rebound and her ever present smile. Her body had been stressed by medical problems from her premature birth and gastroschisis, a liver transplant before she as a year old and, finally, a multivisceral transplant in July 2008. Ally had hundreds of "Angels" who gave blood in her honor during her lifetime. Her life was ended by a simple infection that travelled to her heart. Her legacy was teaching people the importance of blood and organ donations."
"In early 2003 I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This is a very aggressive form of cancer and completely took over my body in a matter of days. I was placed at St. Christopher's Children Hospital in Philadelphia for four months straight. During this time I received a brutal assortment of experimental chemotherapy, which left my body completely drained. It soon became necessary for me to receive blood transfusions almost every day. My blood counts were so low that I needed just as many platelet transfusions as blood, but were harder to come by because so few people donate on account of the time needed for this procedure. It was a long uphill battle for me to overcome this debilitating disease, but with help from the good people who decided to take time out of their busy lives to donate blood I am now a healthy, 21-year-old, full-time student."
"In May 2004, my 11-year-old son, Jeremy, was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic / acute lymphocytic) leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells, the cells in the body that normally fight infections. As part of this chemotherapy treatment, he has thus-far received five (5) blood transfusions, and also a platelet transfusion.
"Logan is a typical 6-year-old boy. He has way too much energy and a smile that lights up your heart. In 2000, Logan's world changed dramatically. For five months, he was treated for chronic ear aches, asthma and coxsackie. His mother and father, both trained EMTs and paramedics, knew something was very wrong. It wasn't until Logan got even sicker that their worst suspicions were met: Logan was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myloid Leukemia) a very aggressive form of cancer, typically diagnosed in adults. At 2 years old, Logan was given a mere 40% chance of survival. But after 8 months of chemotherapy and "lots and lots" of blood and platelets, he is a happy and healthy young boy. Logan is now a kindergarten student, a Reading Royals fan and an enthusiastic soccer player. His mother credits the generosity of volunteer blood and platelet donors for saving her son's life. His mere presence is a miracle and a testament to the value of blood donations."
"The 1st annual Angela Hohl memorial blood drive took place on November 10, 2003. During Angie's illness, we came to realize the severity of blood and platelets in the area. We waited for many days for long hours while the hospital searched for the correct type of platelets for Angela. As parents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, friends and students, we hope you all consider helping the Blood Center be prepared for the next child who may need the volume of blood and platelets that Angie did, by donating the 'Gift of Life' with a blood donation."
"When my son Ritchie was born, he was diagnosed with a coarctation of the aorta, a narrowing of the aorta, which prevents oxygen from traveling to his lower extremities. To repair this condition, he underwent heart surgery when he was only 11 days old. During this time, Ritchie was given numerous units of blood and platelets. I cannot thank the volunteer blood donors enough for providing the gift of life for Ritchie and for others in our community."
Several years ago, I was the victim of a random shooting. At the time, my wife was 6 weeks away from the birth of our first child. With injuries to major organs and arteries, I needed over 70 units of plasma, platelets and red blood cells to survive the next few days. Through the generosity of volunteer blood donors, I am happy to report that I am doing well. Thanks to Miller Memorial Blood Center, blood was available at a very critical time in my life."
C-section, as I was literally hemorrhaging to death internally while my baby was swallowing my blood. My total blood loss was approximately 3000 cc or the blood in my body, and a blood transfusion was required. I received 7 units of packed red blood cells, 6 units of platelets and 4 units of fresh frozen plasma. Luckily, this story has a positive ending, as both the baby and I are recovering. 
"My first blood transfusion was in 1989, when I underwent heart surgery. Since that time, I have been in the hospital at least eight times, and have received over 45 units of blood.
A few years back I found myself ill with what I assumed was a virus or flu bug. When my condition didn't improve, I went to see my doctor, who sent me to the hospital where I was told I had a bleeding ulcer. I had lost approximately 6 pints of blood in two days, and the doctors told me that if I had waited a few more days, I may have lost my life.
I am thankful that blood was there in my time of need, and I now donate blood approximately every eight weeks. It is safe and easy, and may save someone else's life."
"When Jack was 6 months old, we learned that he had an inherited blood disorder, thalassemia, which prevents him from making his own red blood cells. He thus faced a lifetime of transfusions. The staff at Miller-Keystone Blood Center has been expert in its efforts to see this through, and no task is taken for granted or considered too small. From the beginning, we have been guided through this difficult process with professionalism and care. It is largely due to these efforts that these life-saving treatments can seem almost routine."
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Miller-Keystone Blood Center is an independant, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves as the only supplier of blood products to 24 hospitals in Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Lehigh, Luzerne, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Schuylkill (PA) and Warren (NJ) counties. Established in 1971, Miller-Keystone Blood Center is an affiliate of Hospital Central Services, Inc. |
