Fred Ableitner

Mayo Clinic honored Fred Ableitner recently for 54 years of blood donations. He is pictured with his wife, Pat.

Fred Ableitner of Rochester, Minn., considers himself an "average man," but there is nothing "average" about his blood donation. He has donated more than 203 units of blood, including more than 25 gallons of red cells, platelets and plasma — more than any other donor in Mayo Clinic's history.

Ableitner started giving blood when a family member told him about her experience donating blood and suggested that he try it. That simple conversation kicked-off 54 years of faithful donating. His generosity has helped save the lives of hundreds of people who need blood to be treated and cured of life-threatening diseases.

Jeffrey Winters, M.D., medical director of Blood Donor Services, presented Fred with a certificate honoring his contributions.

"It really makes you feel good to know you have had a direct impact on helping others," says Ableitner. "I encourage everyone to think about donating blood. It's such a simple thing to do and it only takes an hour out of your day. Taking the time to donate may mean a lifetime of moments for someone else."

Ableitner, a retired Mayo Clinic employee, can no longer donate for health reasons, but he challenges others to commit to this important cause.