Mark Flores has been a steady student donor at HouchinCommunity Blood Bank, and just received his one gallon license plate. Mark is presently pursuing a degree in culinary arts from Bakersfield College, but likes the treats in our canteen nonetheless. Mark began donating during his years at Centennial High School, and has made it a point to donate during the summer months because he knows the need is great this time of year. Having spent time in the hospital with elbow surgery, he just hates the thought of any patient being without needed blood. Mark says it feels great to help others and do something good.

Mark enjoys playing video games when he is not cooking or studying. He urges other students to give the ift of life so shortages do not occur.

Pat Lynch has never needed blood herself, but has given more than 11 gallons because she Pat Lynch feels it is her patriotic duty. Pat comes from a long line of military service people, including her great-grandparents, grandpa, dad and brother. Her son is in the Navy currently. These, plus other family members and friends, remind Pat that patriotism and love of our flag “run deep in her veins.” While she has not herself spent time in the military, Pat believes donating blood is a form of patriotism. She says she will “support our troops with every “pint” of blood that she can.

Pat believes people should donate blood to save lives, but that doing so is one of the choices we have as Americans. She urges everyone to try it at least once because of the impact it may have on the donor and because a loved one will need blood at some point. She reports giving blood to others is a humbling experience. Pat works at Aera Energy and has two children, Allison, a college student and Kevin, who serves in the Navy.

Blood donor Don Simpson likes a challenge. A retired civil engineer, Don designed the Mammoth Ski Resort.  An avid skier, golfer, tennis player and occasional hang glider, Don has piloted planes to his adventures and skied out of helicopters on mountains around the world.  At a Downtown Rotary luncheon in August 1996, Don sat next to Greg Gallion, now Houchin Community Blood Bank CEO, who challenged Don to show up that very afternoon to give blood for the first time. Don took him up on it and has been at it ever since.  Don’s mother needed blood after he began donating, and he was very glad to be able to help her. At almost the 14 gallon mark, Don says he enjoys giving because the people at Houchin are so nice. He thinks people should give blood “Because it doesn’t cost them anything, and helps others who need it.”

Don credits his wife Maxine, a nurse, with keeping him patched up from his occasional misadventures.  They have been married 57 years, and have twin sons, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Jeff Jones, a local petroleum engineer, has been a donor since 1985 when a woman at his church was diagnosed with Leukemia. In an attempt to help her, he overcame his fear of needles and went down to be screened for Bone Marrow donation. Jeff soon realized that donating blood was not as bad as he had expected and now refers to himself as “addicted” to donating, though his fear of needles still remains! When he is not working in his shop, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife, 3 children, and 6 “exceptional” grandchildren.

Why does Jeff Donate?
Jeff says that donating is a way to “literally save lives.” He believes that it’s a great way to give back, since he rarely has time to do volunteer work. It’s a small action that makes a big difference in people’s lives. He looks forward to each appointment and thinks that everyone who is eligible should take the time to donate.

Thank you Jeff for your commitment to Houchin Community Blood Bank!

Florn Core has been a long time Houchin donor, contributing 109 Red Blood Cells and almost 28 gallons of blood!  Florn is a retired Water Resources Manager. He has been married to Sherry for 26 years and they have two girls, a cat and a dog. He’s described as a pleasant and practical guy who likes to have fun, vacation at the coast and spend time with his wife.

Why Does Florn Donate?

He’s a long time donor because he believes giving blood is a good community cause and a great way to give back to the community.

What Motivates Florn to Donate?

He recognizes the need for blood donors in the community and donating blood is an easy way to contribute to the community, and fulfill the demand.

Thank you Florn for your commitment to Houchin Community Blood Bank!

Andrew began donating blood August 18, 2010. He began giving when he heard that blood levels at Houchin were low. When he went in to donate the first time he was unable to give and had an extremely hard time,

Andrew Weisz - Donor of the Month September 2010

however he regained the nerve to go in and try again.  Andrew is currently attending college and working as a physical therapist aide. Andrew’s hobbies include tennis, relaxing, and playing with his two golden retrievers.  Andrew’s quote to live by is, “life is short, be outgoing, and do as much as you can.”

Why does Andrew Donate?

Andrew began giving to Houchin Community Blood Bank when he heard blood levels were low. He began to understand how “one little prick” in his arm can save so many lives. Saving the lives of others makes Andrew feel good about himself, and when it is free he can go more often than not!

What motivates Andrew to Donate?

When Andrew found out blood supplies were running low he wasn’t sure if he was willing to give his blood, but after thinking it through and realizing how easy the process is he was motivated to give blood. Andrew is encouraged to give blood more frequently now that he knows how fast and easy the process the can be, and how friendly and inviting the staff at Houchin is.

Thank you Andrew for your commitment to Houchin Community Blood Bank!

Beau Braisher - June 2010 Donor of the Month

Beau is a member of Houchin Community Blood Bank’s 10 Gallon Donor Club and has been donating for about 18 years. He was inspired to donate by his Grandpa, Dad and Uncle who are donors also; it is a family tradition. Beau owns Beau’s Pool Service in Bakersfield where he lives with his wife, Elizabeth, and 2 children.

What Motivates Beau Braisher to Donate?

Beau donates blood because he wants to help people and wants to be there for people in need. He believes that donating takes a minimal amount of time to help a great deal.

Max Morris- Donor of the Month May 2010

Mr. Morris is part of Houchin Community Blood Bank’s 18 Gallon Donor Club! That means he has donated blood over 144 times! He began donating in 1955 when he was in the Air Force, and then joined the Houchin community while he was a firefighter with the Bakersfield Fire Department. Mr. Morris retired from the BFD after 30 years of service, and is now enjoying life with his wife of 48 years, Sandee.

What motivates Max Morris to donate?

He donates blood because it makes him feel good to know he is directly helping someone else. He feels like it is our duty to help others; that is why he joined the Air Force and then the fire department. He believes that others should donate not only because it’s a good thing to do, but also because they may someday be in need of blood themselves.

Thank you Mr. Morris for your commitment to Houchin Community Blood Bank!

Billy Elrod

Billy recently donated his 205th platelet donation and has donated two gallons of blood. He has been married for 27 years to his wife Terry. They have three sons-Timothy, Christopher and Jacob. Billy is a native of Bakersfield. In his free time, he enjoys riding his Harley and eating Mexican food.

Q. Why does Billy donate?
A. He feels that there’s not enough participation in our community. There’s always a need for platelets and not enough platelet donors.

Q. When was the first time Billy donated?
A. Billy started donating at the request of his secretary. Her husband passed away from leukemia and she talked Billy into donating. He became a very loyal donor and donated every time he became eligible. Once he reached the two gallon mark in whole blood, he was asked to donate platelets. He began donating platelets and has continued faithfully every since. He is known for being an “on-call” donor. Every time there’s a need Billy is only a phone call away. He is also known for dropping everything that he is doing to come and donate platelets. Billy loves the Houchin staff and is always willing to be there when Houchin calls.

THANK YOU BILLY for your commitment and dedication to Houchin and our community.