SAN DIEGO, CA — A longtime San Diego Blood Bank donor was recently inducted into the National Blood Donation Hall of Fame.
Blood donor, blood drive chairperson and volunteer Ray Lebron was recognized Tuesday during a ceremony at the San Diego Blood Bank’s headquarters, where he received an award for his contributions to people in need of blood transfusions.
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“Regardless of who you are, your blood is red and always needed,” Lebron said.
Lebron began donating blood at San Diego Blood Bank four decades ago.
According to San Diego Blood Bank, Lebron started donating blood in college in the Philippines, continued to donate as a Marine, and would occasionally visit a center in San Diego after he started working in the area. He became a dedicated donor, however, when a co-worker’s infant nephew was injured in a mass shooting in 1984. Lebron has since donated more than 190 times.
He has donated whole blood, plasma and double red cells, and is now a dedicated platelet donor, according to San Diego Blood Bank. He recently celebrated his 33rd gallon donation.
“Ray exemplifies selflessness and generosity as a blood donor,” San Diego Blood Bank spokesperson Claudine Van Gonka told Patch. “His unwavering commitment to saving lives is a testament to his incredible character, proving that one person truly can make a world of difference.”
Every year, blood centers across the country submit nominations for the National Blood Donation Hall of Fame, sponsored by Fresenius Kabi. Winners are chosen based on their demonstrated commitment and passion to donating blood and/or encouraging blood donation.
Lebron is the fourth San Diego Blood Bank donor to be inducted into the Fresenius Kabi Blood Donation Hall of Fame.
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