Man To Make Record-Breaking Blood Donation To American Red Cross
ORANGE COUNTY (CBSLA.com) — An Orange County man will break an American Red Cross record Friday with a donation that could save a life.
Matt Murphy has donated more blood platelets than anyone in Southern California Red Cross history.
The Westminster grandfather will make his 1,000th donation this week.
"I think the nearest person is at 700 or 800 donations. And they're trying to catch me, but they're about five years behind," Murphy said.
His donation couldn't come at a better time. Red Cross officials say they see a dip in donors around this time of year as many people go on vacation.
Donating platelets takes about two hours, which is why fewer people give. Platelets are typically used to help cancer patients, along with infants who need surgery to survive.
Murphy starting donating blood in college 36 years ago.
The Red Cross is throwing a big party Friday to thank Murphy for giving of himself for a good cause. He will be named Southern California's "top platelet donor of all time."
Anyone looking to donate blood and help save a life can visit the American Red Cross online.