Gary Melin

Gary Melin knows a lot about blood donation. Gary's blood donor experience started as a blood donor in the 1960's, because, as he puts it, 'donating is the right thing to do.' He vividly remembers Station C in the Hilton Building Blood Donor Center, the kindness of the technicians and the sense of fulfillment he had after donating, knowing that his donation would help another person less fortunate than himself.

Gary was a regular donor until 1974, when his doctors told him he needed bypass surgery and he became the one in need. Before his operation, Gary donated his own blood for his surgery. After his bypass surgery, he was no longer eligible to donate, but his experience with Blood Donor Services did not end. In 1988 Gary had a heart transplant, and was once again the recipient of the generosity of many people, including his brother and mother who donated blood for his transplant surgery. In fact, Gary is not the only one in his family to benefit from blood donation. His wife received blood during the birth of all four of their children.

"I am so appreciative of Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Services. My family and I have all benefited from the generosity of others. I'm glad that I was able to give blood for the years before my surgery."

Gary's commitment as a donor and continued advocacy of Blood Donor Services is typical of people who donate blood — they are committed to helping others, even those they may never know.