Editor’s note: KWQC TV Channel 6, will broadcast a short video of Lyle Bush at 5:00 p.m. The 6:00 news will include a full interview by Kyle Kiel.
On Thursday, January 20, 2022, the Morrison, IL, American Red Cross Blood Drive opened at noon, to icy-cold temperatures and warm congratulations. One steadfast donor, Lyle Bush of Morrison, IL, donated his 233rd unit of blood. That equates to nearly 30 gallons and–more importantly–at least 699 lives that he helped.
Bush stated he began donating over five decades ago, when he was 23. “I donate about seven times a year.” His reason was both simple and profound: “I like to help other people if I can.”
Janet Jarvis returned to the donation site, St. Mary Catholic Church, 13320 Garden Plain Road, in her new capacity of Illinois Region Account Manager 3. She supervises lower ranking Account Managers, through training and mentoring.
On this joyful day, Jarvis presented Bush with a Certificate of Achievement. It read, “Presented to Lyle Bush who on this day, January 20, 2022, has completed the donation of his 233[rd] pint of blood. On behalf of the many patients you have helped, and for your time and dedication to the American Red Cross blood program, we offer our sincere thanks!
Morrison ARC Coordinator Kaywyn Beswick would donate her 100th unit later in the day. This amount to 12 gallons. She became a donor in the 1980’s. Also, 91-year-old Bill Kuehl donated his 16th gallon.
ARC Regional Communications Manager Holly Baker wrote this essay.
The American Red Cross is facing a National blood crisis, its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care. The ARC needs to replenish and then maintain a sufficient blood supply.
This organization asks the Country to “roll up a sleeve” to help ensure people receive the care they need: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or sickle cell disease. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767.)
As the Red Cross appeals to people of all ages and blood types to sign up to give, we are celebrating loyal blood donors like Lyle Bush of Morrison, IL, who continue to donate. Bush, who recently turned 80 years old, is a father to three and a grandfather to five….[However,] he has impacted thousands of lives, through his donations (nearly 30 gallons) of type O positive blood.
Type O positive blood is given to patients more than any other blood type, which is why it is considered the most-needed blood type. Since learning of the significance of giving blood and his unique blood type many years ago, Bush has continued to donate. He says doesn’t take much effort.
“I like to help other people when I can….I knew there was a big need for it, and I just wanted to try and do my share. It’s really not hard, in fact, it’s no effort at all. You just lie on a table and somebody else does the rest.”
Bush’s blood is part of an exclusive group of donors who have not been exposed to Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a flu-like virus that the majority of adults are exposed to. When a baby needs a blood transfusion, it needs to come from a CMV-negative donor–like Bush. This is the safest blood for immune-deficient newborns.
The Red Cross celebrates donors who are both CMV negative and type O as they are considered “Heroes for Babies.” Only a small number of donors are able to meet this very specific need for pediatric blood products across the Country.
“When it can save other people’s lives, why not do it?” Bush added.