Joseph Connell

Joe Connell began donating blood in the late 50's as a college student. He worked nights in a community hospital in northwest Iowa to fund his education. It was there that Connell became acutely aware of how blood was needed to help people, many of whom were injured in farm and automobile accidents. Later, as an Air Force rescue helicopter pilot in Vietnam, Connell saw first-hand how so many lives were saved by blood transfusions.

And during his 34-year career with IBM, Connell's blood donations continued, with IBM's support in providing time off and on-site facilities for this valuable program.

"Over the years I've reflected on the act of giving," explains Connell. "It would be so easy to expect others to donate blood instead of me. A friend of mine once said, 'Where you spend your time is where you spend your love.' I've come to realize that sometimes it's easier to 'throw money at the problem,' rather than investing one's time and passion. In donating blood I truly give myself."

Connell has become acquainted with the staff at Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Center and appreciates the kind, respectful, and caring manner in which they work.

"I have joined in celebrating their lives, stories of children's weddings, sons in service, love of horses and Honda motorcycles, farm life and personal dreams."

Connell offers this advice to new donors-- have the staff pre-schedule your next appointment.

"By penciling in the next date I can give blood donations the priority they deserve. Otherwise time and other pressures make donating, out of sight and out of mind."

Now that he is retired and busy with family and hobbies, Connell still makes time to donate platelets monthly. "Blood donation shares equal billing with my passion for family, flying, building aircraft, photography, computers, writing, driving vacations, and volunteering for church and community projects."