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When his son was born weighing one pound, eight ounces, Ken Hauptman went straight to the BWH Blood Donor Center. He has since been helping to nourish Caleb, who was born three months early in April, by donating his O negative blood to his son.
“Caleb is getting better every day,” Hauptman, of Henniker, N.H., said. “Already he’s more than doubled his weight, and he keeps growing.”
Hauptman is among a group of directed donors whose blood goes from the Blood Donor Center to patients like Caleb in the NICU. The relationship between the Blood Donor Center and the NICU is crucial for infants who depend on a steady supply of healthy blood to nourish them and help them grow. Donors often save these fragile infants’ lives.
The Blood Donor Center each week tries to recruit at least 10 donors with O negative blood—which is compatible with all blood types—specifically for the NICU.
“While there is a constant need for all types of blood, finding donors who are O negative is especially challenging,” Michelle Williams, donor recruiter for the Blood Donor Center, said. “However, I think the personal connection encourages many of the donors to keep coming back.”
Hauptman plans to continue donating his blood to NICU patients even after his son no longer needs it. “I realize there will always be babies who depend on blood for survival, and I am happy to help,” he said.
Visit the BWH Blood Donor Center for World Blood Donor Day June 14. The Blood Donor Center provides breakfast and lunch from Pat’s Place, as well as a first-aid kit for all donors. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call ext. 2-6620.