Bloodworks 101: Recent Episodes
Bloodworks Northwest
Bloodworks 101 is a bi-weekly podcast produced by Bloodworks Northwest, a Seattle-based blood bank and research center. Episodes are designed to inspire and educate listeners to donate time, money or blood. On Bloodworks 101 you'll meet experts who can discuss everything from the importance of blood donation to trypanophobia (fear of needles). You'll meet a man who survived leukemia, with the help of 267 transfusions, a 79-year-old woman whose plasma helped those suffering from COVID-19 and a five-year-old boy who, thanks to blood donors he'll never know, beat stage Stage Four Neuroblastoma. Today, he's an inspiration to his parents. These are just a few of the stories you'll hear on "Bloodworks 101," hosted by Emmy Award winning producer John Yeager, who's also Senior Media Content Strategist at Bloodworks. John is joined by a team of producers including gifted storytellers Bill Harper, Helen Pitlick and Juan Cotto.
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Are you curious about your health but just haven't taken the time to get your blood tested? Is the cost of getting your blood tested holding you back? Well, there's a new company called Goodlabs, partnering with Bloodworks Northwest that provides free blood testing to Bloodworks Northwest donors. Goodlabs is a nationwide company that's just getting a foothold here in the Pacific Northwest. Recently, Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager got a chance to sit down with Goodlabs CEO Grant Brewster.
If you're interested, go to goodlabs.com.
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On Sunday, July 26th, 2026, three people were killed and more than four people were injured in a shooting at the Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle food and music festival. Many in the city feel sad and powerless in the aftermath of events like these. But the next day, as Bloodworks 101 Producer Helen Pitlick discovered, four people came forward and did what they could to respond in their own quiet way. Here's a special edition of Bloodworks 101 we're calling "Four Quiet Heroes on a Monday Morning."
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We say "One More Time" a lot. The expression "One More Time" can apply to many things in life. Here in Seattle, if you're a football fan, you'd probably like the Seahawks to win the Super Bowl just "One More Time". But if you're a Bloodworks Northwest donor, we hope you take that expression to heart in a different way that could save a life. Recently, Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager sat down for a frank discussion about "One More Time" with Juan Cotto, our Senior Government Affairs Director.
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Tash Haynes is a storyteller and content creator based here in the Puget Sound Area. Tash says she loves to share people's stories but as Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager found out, it's her personal story that brought her in to the new Bloodworks Northwest Tacoma Donor Center. Wait til you hear it.
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Bloodworks partners with The Residency on Where the Heart Lives, a free one-hour hip-hop show for high school and college students that makes blood donation more approachable. If you’ve seen a performance, you’ve probably seen Tazz Enrico. Tazz came into Bloodworks to talk with our own Giselle Lehmann. As you will hear, the relationship that Giselle and Tazz have built through Where the Heart Lives is truly something special.
Find Tazz at: https://djten.my.canva.site/t-en-com
Where the Heart Lives: https://wheretheheartlives.org/
© 2026 Bloodworks 101
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Content warning: this episode involves life-threatening bleeding during childbirth.
The strengths of motherhood are not often recognized or appreciated in the workplace. Seattle resident Dr. Laura Marie Rivera is very aware of this — her work focuses on the intersection between motherhood and leadership. But, 11 years ago as of this week, Dr. Laura Marie almost lost her life while becoming a mom for the third and fourth time.
More about Dr. Laura Marie:
- Intuitionship: https://intuitionship.com/
- The Motherhood Advantage: https://www.motherhoodadvantage.com/
© 2026 Bloodworks 101
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This week, Bloodworks issued a Code Red, an urgent appeal for blood donors: our region’s blood supply has reached emergency low levels. Bloodworks 101 co-producer Helen Pitlick talked with Harry Thomas, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement, to learn more about this urgent need.
Make your next appointment at bloodworksnw.org or by calling 800-398-7888.
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On June 12, 2016, a gunman opened fire during Latin Night at Pulse, a popular gay nightclub in Orlando, FL. 49 people lost their lives, 58 were wounded, and countless worlds changed forever. Ten years later, Bloodworks 101 host John Yeager sat down with Bloodworks staff to reflect on the impact that The Pulse Nightclub has had on blood banking, the LGBTQIA+ community, and the country as a whole.
© 2026 Bloodworks 101
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In our episode yesterday, you met Steve Edmiston: lawyer, cancer survivor, filmmaker, microhistorian, and founder of one of the Men in Black Birthday Bash. As a special treat for Bloodworks 101 listeners, Steve shares all about his area of expertise: the Maury Island Incident of 1947. It gets weird.
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It’s June 1947, and Bloodworks’ first donation center in Seattle has been open for six months. Roughly 20 miles southwest, Harold Dahl and his crew experience something strange near Maury Island in Puget Sound. What happens next will launch a mystery and a mythology that persists to this day. The truth is out there, and, nearly 80 years later, Steve Edmiston wants to find it. But, as Bloodworks 101 co-producer Helen Pitlick learned, there was a time that Steve was the star of a scary SciFi-esque story of his own.
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Western Washington expects an additional 350,000–600,000 visitors in June and July for to the upcoming World Cup tournament, the largest sporting event on the planet. It’s going to be great for the local economy — and a potential concern for the blood supply. Bloodworks 101 co-producer Helen Pitlick sat down with Kyle Boynton, Bloodworks' Product Strategy Manager, to learn more about what the beautiful game has to do with blood donation.
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Hello, Tacoma! On June 9, Bloodworks Northwest will hold the Grand Opening of our newest donor center in Tacoma. The Tacoma supervisor is someone Bloodworks 101 listeners are already familiar with: Jeremy Tanner from our Puyallup donor center. And, as producer John Yeager shares, Jeremy is no stranger to blood donation.
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The blood banking industry, hospitals and first reponders all over the nation refer to the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the "100 Deadliest Days." Today, on Bloodworks 101, our Co-Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kirsten Alcorn tells Producer John Yeager that this summer, the 100 Deadliest Days include a global sporting event that'll draw thousands to the Pacific Northwest - The World Cup. And while Bloodworks Northwest is hoping for the best, they're preparing for the worst - just in case.
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The Seahawks are the reigning NFL champions! Three months after Super Bowl LX, we’re still riding that high here in the Pacific Northwest. Major events are fun but come with a potential impact to the local blood supply. With the world’s largest sporting event — the FIFA World Cup — coming to Seattle and 15 other cities in June, Bloodworks 101 co-producer Helen Pitlick sat down with a few of Bloodworks' friends at Stanford Blood Center to get insight into how they prepared for a Big Game.
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In the last five years, Bloodworks 101 has published more than 250 episodes. It's been downloaded more than 37,000 times. We've won six coveted Anthem Awards, beating out more than 2,000 entries from 42 countries. But we couldn't have done anything without you, our loyal listener. So for the last couple weeks, we've been republishing your Top Three favorite Bloodworks 101 podcast episodes.
Here's Number One.
Do you have trypanophobia? It's the fear of needles and it's way more common than you think. In fact, it plays a huge role in whether you donate blood or not. In this premiere edition of the Second Season of "Bloodworks 101," John Yeager talks to those who suffer from a fear of needles, a phlebotomist who tries to calm down those anxious blood donors, who are afraid of the needle and finally with a clinical psychologist who helps patients face their fears head-on.
Originally published October 30th, 2021.
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In the last five years, Bloodworks 101 has published more than 250 episodes. It's been downloaded more than 37,000 times. We've won six coveted Anthem Awards, beating out more than 2,000 entries from 42 countries. But we couldn't have done anything without you, our loyal listener. So for the last couple weeks, we've been republishing your Top Three favorite Bloodworks 101 podcast episodes.
Here's Number Two. We call it "Natasha's New Car."
We all have our reasons for donating blood that finally compel us to schedule an appointment. Whidbey Island's Natasha Vanderlinden had to overcome her significant fear of needles but as host John Yeager tells us in this episode of "Bloodworks 101," once she overcame that fear, you'll never guess what happened. Natasha's story didn't happen overnight. It would play out over 20 years. And little did she know that it would begin on one of the most horrific days in American history, September 11th. 2001.
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In the last five years, Bloodworks 101 has published more than 250 episodes. It's been downloaded more than 37,000 times. We've won six coveted Anthem Awards, beating out more than 2,000 entries from 42 countries. But we couldn't have done anything without you, our loyal listener. So for the next couple weeks, we'll be republishing your Top Three favorite Bloodworks 101 podcast episodes.
Here's Number Three. It was the first podcast we ever published, back in January of 2020, just before the pandemic.
Tom Newman is a courier for Seattle-based Bloodworks Northwest. In this episode of the monthly podcast, Bloodworks 101, Newman explains why he'd do this job whether they paid him or not. Tom delivers blood products from Bloodworks Northwest's transit center in Georgetown (on Seattle's South side) to hospitals and blood drives from the Canadian border to Southern Oregon and just about everywhere in Western Washington. He drives hundreds of miles a day in all kinds of traffic but wait til you hear how Tom got started and why. Newman told host John Yeager all about it on this premiere episode of Bloodworks 101 entitled "Paying in Forward with Tommy Newman."
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When 11-year-old Brody Hamilton stood at home plate, ready to run the bases before the Mariner's Home Opener on Thursday, March 26th, it was the end of a long battle with cancer. But as thousands of Mariner's fans like Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager would find out, there was one more challenge Brody would face. It was the one down the first baseline.
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During the pandemic, Bloodworks Northwest became keenly aware of the impact that a drop in blood donation from college students would have. Recently, we commissioned a study to look at that impact and how to do something about it. The woman in charge of the study, our own Claire Yang, sat down with Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager to discuss the study and take a hard look at the question, "Why Don't More College Students Donate Blood?"
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Thursday, March 26th, marks Opening Day for the Seattle Mariners. Some say this season begins with more hope than any Mariners' fan can remember. And that includes Trevor Gooby, the Marines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. But Trevor also has hope that more people will heed the call to become blood donors. That's because Gooby is the Chair of the Bloodworks Northwest Board of Trustees. Recently, Trevor sat down with Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager to talk about how he came to join the board and of course to talk ... baseball.
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For most of us, breaking a toe is a painful inconvenience. For Josh McCullough, co-host of podcasts Murder in the Rain and Always Be My Sisters, it might have saved his life—along with Bloodworks donors and the cardiac surgery team at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. We sat down with Josh to talk about his heart surgery, the community connection of blood donation, and what cold case he'd most like to see solved.
More from Josh:
- Murder in the Rain
- Always be my Sisters
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With the Oscars coming up this Sunday, we felt celebrating the movies was in order. So, in this ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101, host Helen Pitlick spoke to Bloodworks co-workers John Yeager and Bill Harper, along with Donor Center Collections Strategist Kyle Boynton about the power of cinema to connect us. As Helen discovered, these three lost themselves in the magic of the movies - and, through this, found connection.
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In an emergency, every second counts. Last week on Bloodworks 101, Chief Scoggins of Seattle Fire Department mentioned one way that first responders save lives: by carrying whole blood on board Medic One vehicles to administer transfusions at the scene of a bleeding event.
But before this, police officers like Greg Schmidt used to turn on their sirens to get patients lifesaving blood as quickly as possible. Bloodworks 101 co-producer Helen Pitlick sat down with Greg to learn more.
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February is Black History Month, a time set aside to honor the contributions Blacks have made in our community. But it's also a time to look ahead at the challenges before us. One prominent Black Seattlite is Harold Scoggins, Seattle's Fire Chief. As a first responder, Scoggins knows the importance of blood donation better than most. And now, as a newly appointed member of the Bloodworks Board of Trustees, the Chief has a deeper understanding of the difference Bloodworks Northwest makes in our community. Recently, the Chief sat down with Bloodworks 101 contributor, Juan Cotto.
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What would you do if someone literally gave you a new lease on life? Now imagine if the number of people who gave you that lease was more than 200? On today's edition of Bloodworks 101, producer John Yeager introduces us to Hayley Resk who's literally "paying it forward" in Portland.
Link to the Solvita website: Solvita - From one, to many.
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This has been an epic week for Riq Woolen and the Seattle Seahawks! A few years ago, Riq took part in our "Young Bloods" blood donation awareness campaign. In honor of the Seahawks' championship season, here’s Bloodworks 101 host John Yeager’s interview with Riq from 2023.
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February marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, a time to reflect on the achievements and contributions made by Blacks in this nation. But as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, it's also a time to look at some "pretty sobering numbers" when it comes to Black Americans and blood donation. For today's editon of Bloodworks 101, John spoke to Harry Thomas, Bloodworks Northwest's Vice President of Marketing Operations and Planning about those numbers and a new study of Black donors.
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What's holding you back from donating blood? Are you afraid of needles? Well, if you're uncomfortable around needles, this is the episode for you. Because as the donor in this edition of Bloodworks 101 found out, sometimes you can't even feel the donation when it actually starts. The donor's name is Brian Dunning, from Bend, Oregon. He's an award-winning podcast host who makes his living debunking myths wherever he finds them. But as producer John Yeager tells us, it's also about "walking the talk," about blood donation.
Here's a recent Skeptoid episode about Blood Donation Myths:
Skeptoid
Special thanks to the staff at Skeptoid, including Kathy Rightmire, Director of Operations and Resources for stepping up and making a donation.
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Recently, Bloodworks Northwest awarded a free trip to one lucky donor. The destination? Tokyo. It was called "Donate and Win," all part of our "Music's in Our Blood" campaign. Producer John Yeager got a chance to speak with the winner who couldn't have picked a more fitting destination. It's a place she's dreamed of almost all her life.
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How is hip hop like blood donation? As Jace Ecaj (The Residency, Black Stax) and Giselle Lehmann (Bloodworks) explain, Where the Heart Lives, our high school and college education program, brings the two together in a meaningful and memorable way.
Learn more: https://wheretheheartlives.org/
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On December 15, 2025, Bloodworks' Renton facilities received a GO NOW evacuation order after a Green River levee failed and sent floodwaters into neighborhoods around Tukwila, Renton, and Kent. For Bloodworks' VP of Laboratory Operations Mike Charapata, the situation felt eerily familiar.
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If you listen to radio in the Pacific Northwest, there's a good chance you know the name John Richards. He's the Morning Show Host & Producer at Seattle's KEXP. Well, he's also a Bloodworks Northwest blood donor. And as Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager found out, there's a good reason why. It has to do with "walking the talk."
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Lynn and John Tissell met at church — but that's just how it started. They fell in love through blood donation. As Bloodworks 101 co-producer Helen Pitlick shares, theirs is a story that will make the hearts of even the grinchiest Bloodworks 101 listeners grow three sizes.
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Each year, Bloodworks Northwest sets aside December 18th as Washington State Blood Donor Day. It's a day that comemorates the Amtrak 501 derailment near DuPont on Decemeber 18th, 2017. But it also shines a light on the need to be ready BEFORE disasters like that occur. The derailment killed three and injured dozens and crippled transportation in Western Washington for days. Bloodworks Northwest's Juan Cotto spearheaded the effort to get the day set aside a few years ago but as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, it wasn't the last time he'd be at the center of a statewide blood donation awareness campaign.
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For years, it's been a given that there's no such thing as artificial blood. Well not anymore. Thanks to researchers like Dr. Allan Doctor and his team at the University of Maryland, the prospect of articial blood could be years away instead of decades. And when you consider that only 3 out of 100 people actually donate blood, you begin to understand the kind of impact that this reseaarch has. Recently, Allan Doctor spoke to Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager, via Zoom. Here's today's edition of Bloodworks 101.
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For fans of the hit HBO showOur Flag Means Death, the Gravy Basket is a place between life and death. After a trip to New York for an Our Flag Means Death convention, the Gravy Basket became real for Seattle resident Missa Marmalstein, made all the more surreal by the show's finale that very night. Bloodworks 101 co-producer Helen Pitlick sat down with Missa to learn how donated blood brought her back.
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Happy Thanksgiving! We have a favorite episode to share in honor of this day of gratitude — and Bloodworks 101 winning two 2025 Anthem Awards. When the Tualatin City Council met during National Blood Donor Month, an official proclamation was read, honoring Bloodworks Northwest. But little did those attending the meeting know, this official proclamation hit Councilor Maria Reyes hard. As she told Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager, that's because this proclamation took Maria back to the worst day of her life but also to the ninety people who were there for her when that life hung in the balance.
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Bloodworks Northwest is right in the middle of our latest awareness campaign called, "Music's in Our Blood." It's our effort to reach out to music communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. One of the more enthusiastic partners we have is Portland's Ben Dudley, from the nonprofit, "Free Guitars for Kids." Recently, Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager got a chance to travel to Portland for this episode. What follows is undeniable proof that music really is in Ben Dudley's blood.
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Tuesday, November 11th is Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor those men and women who have served their country. One of those veterans is Bloodworks Northwest President & CEO Curt Bailey. Curt is a former U.S. Marine Corps chopper pilot. For Bailey, Veterans Day is a day to look back on how his military service shaped him into the leader he is today but it’s also a chance to look ahead at the challenges facing Bloodworks. Heres the latest edition of Bloodworks 101, with your host John Yeager.
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Did you know that people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, on or off medication, can donate blood if their diabetes is under control and they meet the other eligibility criteria? Madi Johnson didn't know this until she started working for Bloodworks, and she's lived with diabetes since she was 12. Now, it's her job to help people in all communities donate blood.
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Seattle's Mark Klebeck is the co-founder of Top Pot Doughnuts, one of our partners in the Music's in Our Blood Awareness campaign. There's a good reason for that as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager discovered. Here's John's conversation with Klebeck, including proof that music really is in his blood.
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If you only had six months to live, what's the first thing you'd do? What would be most important? Tough questions aren't they. But a local woman named Josie Rosler and her family had to answer them when they got some devastating news a few years ago. Josie shared her story with Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager. What follows is an episode we're calling, " Six Months to Say Goodbye."
Josie is speaking at a one day, arts conference for people who’ve experienced loss, in Lynnwood this Saturday and there’s still tickets available. Her talk is on how to create a beautiful life, after experiencing profound loss. Here’s a link to the registration. https://cam-arts.com/2025-Requiem-Event/
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If you're a platelet donor with Bloodworks Northwest, we can't thank you enough. But as you sit there and make your lifesaving donation, have you ever thought of the machine at your side, just clicking along, separating the lifesaving components in your blood? Well, Lori Harada and Carly Newton from Terumo, the maker of the machine sure have. A while back, Bloodworks 101 producer, John Yeager spoke with Lori and Carly for today's edition of Bloodworks 101.
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Ohio's Al Whitney is 88 years old and in the blood banking industry, he's become a bit of a legend. Why? Well, as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, that's because Al Whitney is a man on a mission to save lives.
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Bloodworks is in the middle of our fifth annual Music’s In Our Blood campaign, seeking 10,000 new and returning donors by the end of the year. And celebrating a few of our regular donors! Sam Sitzman has been donating blood since he turned 16 — and playing the cello since he was three. What do blood donation and playing the cello have in common? They both get better with regular practice.
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If you're a regular Bloodworks Northwest donor, you probably get calls from our staff at the Contact Center. Ever wonder who's on the other end of the line? Well, Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager did. And wait till you hear some of the stories the woman in charge of the Center has to tell.
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While platelets were the focus of Dr. Sherrill Slichter's research at Bloodworks, patients were always at the heart. Dr. Theresa Nester and Dr. Moritz Stolla discuss about the clinical implications of her work.
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Dr. Sherrill Slichter joined Bloodworks in 1970, and over four and a half decades, her platelet research changed the face of transfusion medicine around the world. In this episode of Bloodworks 101, her colleagues Dr. Theresa Nester, Dr. Moritz Stolla, and Gayle Teramura reflect on Dr. Slichter's research and legacy.
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The "We Give Blood Drive" is the brainchild of Abbott Laboratories, an American multinational medical devices and health care company and the Big Ten conference to promote blood donation by students, alumni, and fans of Big Ten schools. The campaign is now underway with Big Ten schools vying for a $1 million grant to advance student or community health by registering the greatest number of donors among Big Ten institutions across the country during the current Big Ten football season.
Recently, Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager spoke with Professor Alexes Harris from the University of Washington, a Big Ten school, about why the campaign is so important to her.
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At Bloodworks, we like to say that platelets are "golden." Why? well, as producer John Yeager tells us in the special ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101, it's because they have such an impact on the people who receive them. But it's also because of the time and sacrifice it takes to produce them. For this edition, John spoke to Bloodworks' Senior Product Strategy Manager Kyle Boynton.
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As a fitness buff, Randy Cantrell knew he wanted to do something big to celebrate turning 70. And as a lifelong blood donor, he also wanted raise money for Bloodworks. Bloodworks 101 co-producer Helen Pitlick joined Randy for a walk around Green Lake in Seattle as part of his epic birthday fundraiser.
Got a creative idea for a fundraiser? Our Development Office would love to hear from you: learn more.
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As a tech-savvy marketer, blood donor Mike Burlin likes to automate his donations as much as possible. Which hasn’t always been the case: after his dad was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), blood and stem cell donation were often on Mike’s mind. Here's a special ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101, hoted by Helen Pitlick.
- Schedule your next blood donation: donate.bloodworksnw.org
- Learn more about cord blood donation: bloodworksnw.org/cordblood
- Join the bone marrow registry: nmdp.org
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For many high schoolers, donating blood is a rite of passage, something cool you can do when you turn 16. For Grayson Goodman, it's more like a calling: blood donation means a lot to the Goodman family. After all, donated blood gave Grayson's dad, Hunter, more years with his family. Here's a special ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101, hosted by Helen Pitlick.
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When you walk into a Bloodworks Northwest Donor Center, mobile drive or pop-up center to donate, you never know the difference you can make. Ridgefield, Washington's Joshua Bell has first-hand knowledge of that. And as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out in this special ENCORE EDITION, according to Bell, that donation can make the biggest difference in the world.
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Today is the last day of our "Give Blood Rescue a Human" promotional campaign. Over the past few months, it's celebrated the powerful bond between people and their pets and the lifesaving power of blood donation. Today, Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager introduces us to a amazing platelet donor in the in the Portland area who enjoys that powerful bond between her and her dog, Tigger. But she also knows firsthand, how blood donation can save lives. For Sharon Sferrazza, it's personal.
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What do you know about AI? As you're probably aware, there's way more to AI than what you get from ChatGPT. In fact, as the team at Bloodworks Research can tell you, the potential for machine learning to one day save lives is very real. Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager spoke with Dr. Jose Lopez, Bloodworks Chief Scientific Officer, along with Gabe Richman, Founder & CEO of Omic, a drug discovery and AI company, on how we’re working together to advance treatments for diseases that impact many of us.
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This has been a big week for Cal Raleigh, "The Big Dumper," the All-Star catcher from the Seattle Mariners. Not only did he star in this year's All-Star Game in Atlanta but he won the Home Run Derby, beating out some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball. Last year, Cal was part of our "Young Bloods" blood donation awareness campaign. So, Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager thought it would be fun to listen to Cal's thoughts on catching, his team and the lifesaving practice of blood donation. For Cal, the issue of blood donation is personal.
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They call the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the "100 Deadliest Days," for a very good reason. Well, for several very good reasons. Today, Bloodworks Northwest's Co-Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kristin Alcorn spells it out for Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager.
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All summer, Bloodworks Northwest has been reaching out to pet owners through our Give Blood Rescue a Human campaign. Today, you're going to meet a young woman named Leah Penney from the Neko Cat Cafe on Seattle's Capitol Hill. Leah has a very personal reason for why he's a part of the campaign. In fact, as Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager found out, if it weren't for blood donors ... Well, we'll let Leah tell you that part of the story.
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There's a common misconception that when you adopt a pet, you're saving that animal's life. It's a one-way street, right? Well, at the Portland Humane Society, Jim Nelson can tell you that pets give us so much in return. On this edition of Bloodworks 101, Jim and Oregon Humane Society's Laura Klink tell producer John Yeager about that strong bond between people and their pets that's such a big part of our Give Blood Rescue a Human campaign.
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When something at a Blood Center needs maintenance, you can't just slap some duct tape on it and call it good — the FDA does not like that. That's where Cassy Alaire comes in. Cassy and the Quality Control team at Bloodworks ensure that all of our equipment meets the rigorous standards needed to collect blood for local patients.
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June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, and while giving blood looks a little different, no matter where in the world you are donating, much is the same, too. There’s always a need, no matter what language you speak or what snacks you eat in the canteen. In this episode, you'll hear from two donors covering three continents.
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June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month. And there are few people moree aware of gun violence than Tualatin City Councillor Maria Reyes. When the City Council met a while back, an official proclamation was read, honoring Bloodworks Northwest. On these occasions, there's usually a lot of pomp and bluster. Official proclamations can often go on and on. But little did those attending the meeting know, this official proclamation hit Councilor Maria Reyes hard. As she tells Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager, that's because this proclamation took Maria back to the worst day of her life but also to the ninety people who were there for her when that life hung in the balance.
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What do you do when your child starts acting "differently"? When you just know something's wrong. That was the grim prospect Tigard, Oregon's Anna Kervers faced a few years back when her son, Theo was diagnosed with leukemia. Anna shared her story with Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager. We're calling it "When Your Life Just Stops."
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Right now, Bloodworks Northwest is embarking upon a new awareness campaign we're calling "Give Blood, Rescue a Human." It emphasizes the powerful bond between people and their pets and the lifesaving act of blood donation. If you want evidence of that powerful bond, just ask Dylan Smith and Jake Cole, both who work for Bloodworks Northwest in the Portland area. That's what Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager did. But wait til you hear the answers that he got.
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It seems like everyone has a reason why they donate blood. For Brandon Macz, with Seattle Humane, it's personal. Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager caught up with Brandon as he was sharing his story during his recent blood donation at the Bloodworks Seattle Central Donor Center on Seattle's First Hill.
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Susan Gallotte may not have donated gallons upon gallons, but what she gives is perhaps the most intense type of blood donation of all: mobilized blood forming stem cells for research. For Susan, it all goes back to her mom and her fight against cancer.
Learn more about mobilized blood forming stem cells
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In a couple weeks, Bloodworks Northwest will launch a new campaign that celebrates the powerful bond between people and their pets and the lifesaving power of blood donation. You'll hear plenty about that as the summer approaches. But today, Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager introduces us to a amazing platelet donor in the in the Portland area who enjoys that powerful bond between her and her dog, Tigger. But she also knows firsthand, how blood donation can save lives. For Sharon Sferrazza, it's personal.
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This podcast is designed to inspire you to donate either time, money of blood. That's what we say every episode. Well today, you're going to meet someone who devotes a lot of time to the lifesaving work done here at Bloodworks. Her name is Adelyn Emil and as Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager found out, the volunteer work she does for Bloodworks is designed to prepare bystanders to step in and help accident or shooting victims in the precious moments before EMTs arrive.
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For many high schoolers, donating blood is a rite of passage, something cool you can do when you turn 16. For Grayson Goodman, it's more like a calling: blood donation means a lot to the Goodman family. After all, donated blood gave Grayson's dad, Hunter, more years with his family.
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Persistence pays off. Want proof? Just ask Dr. Joanne Thambuswamy, a persistent person if there ever was one. But she's also a platelet donor. And as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager tells us, Joanne is now planning to go somewhere amazing simply because she refused to give up.
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As anyone who's seen an idea become a piece of legislation and they'll tell you it takes a lot of work by a lot of people, especially in deeply divided political times like these. But as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, there's action in the Washington State Legislature right now that has broad appeal across party lines. John spoke to Bloodworks' Director of Government Affairs, Juan Cotto about two bills that look pretty promising.
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At Bloodworks, we like to say that platelets are "golden." Why? well, as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, it's because they have such an impact on the people who receive them. But it's also because of the time and sacrifice it takes to produce them. For this edition, John spoke to Bloodworks' Senior Product Strategy Manager Kyle Boynton.
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As a tech-savvy marketer, blood donor Mike Burlin likes to automate his donations as much as possible. Which hasn’t always been the case: after his dad was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), blood and stem cell donation were often on Mike’s mind.
- Schedule your next blood donation: donate.bloodworksnw.org
- Learn more about cord blood donation: bloodworksnw.org/cordblood
- Join the bone marrow registry: nmdp.org
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We often think of blood transfusion in units, or pints of blood. But that's not always the case. Sometimes it can be just a matter of a few tablespoons as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out when he paid a visit to the Library Director at the North Plains Public Library near Portland.
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We've all heard the expression, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Well, Seattle's Rebecca Kasper knows what can happen when you apply that expression to say ... the attempt to donate blood. And as she told Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager, what happened when Rebecca refused to give up is something that she'll never forget.
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The new federal administration has issued a number of wide-ranging executive orders and policy changes that directly impact the Bloodworks Research Institute in Seattle. Just how important is the work done at the Research Institute? Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager spoke to Dr. Jose Lopez, the Research Institute's Chief Scientific Officer.
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By day, Lynette Manning is a Regional Manager for Bloodworks Northwest. By night? That's a different story. That's because Lynette is a rising star on the national comedy scene. Where does she get her material? Well, as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, for Manning it's just "everyday stuff."
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When the Tualatin City Council met recently during National Blood Donor Month, an official proclamation was read, honoring Bloodworks Northwest. On these occasions, there's usually a lot of pomp and bluster. Official proclamations can often go on and on. But little did those attending the meeting know, this official proclamation hit Councilor Maria Reyes hard. As she tells Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager, that's because this proclamation took Maria back to the worst day of her life but also to the ninety people who were there for her when that life hung in the balance.
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February is Black History Month, a time set aside to celebrate achievements by Black Americans in this country. But as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, it's also a time to take a good hard look at how the blood banking industry has failed to reach out to this community in a meaningful and long-lasting way. That failure is reflected in the low numbers of black donors who come through the doors at Bloodworks Northwest Donor Centers. In this special BONUS EDITION of Bloodworks 101 from two years ago, Government Affairs Director, Juan Cotto and former Seattle Polic Chief Carment Best, reflect on progress made and opportunity lost.
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This week, Bloodworks Northwest has been forced to declare a "Code Red" regarding the state of the blood supply in our region. As Bloodworks 101 producer found out in his talk with Bloodworks President & CEO Curt Bailey, there are many reasons we find ourselves here and the way out of the woods may not come quickly.
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To say we live in politically polarized times would be an understatement. But there are issues where conservatives and liberals can find common ground. Blood donation is one of them and it's Juan Cotto's job as Bloodworks' Director for Government Affairs to bring Washington State's politicians together on this lifesaving issue. On today's edition of Bloodworks 101, Juan shares his 2025 legislative agenda with Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager.
What's the response when Cotto and his colleagues in the Northwest Blood Coalition approach lawmakers in Olympia? Well, Cotto says, "We don't get kicked out of any offices."
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Bloodworks 101 Co-Producer Helen Pitlick met up with Dennis Gelvin at Bloodworks’ Olympia Donor center to get a lesson in philately (fill-at-uh-lee): the study and collection of stamps and other items related to mail and postage. As it turns out, there are more than a few parallels between blood donation and philately.
For pictures and more information, please visit our blog: https://blog.bloodworksnw.org/a-philatelic-blood-donor
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Most platelet donations are stored at room temperature, sacrificing shelf life for circulation time in a patient's body. But patients who are actively bleeding don't need platelets to last for a long time — they need them to get to work, fast. The Stolla lab at Bloodworks Research Institute is investigating the efficacy of cold-stored (refrigerated) platelets, and Bloodworks is in a unique position to help.
Learn more: bloodworksnw.org/research
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January is National Blood Donor Month, a time set aside to celebrate the importance of blood donation and the act of "giving back." So, we're recognizing two members of our community who live out those words by how they give back to our community. And thanks to committed members of our music community and Sonic Guild, Bloodworks is recognizing Seattle singer-songwriter Sara Camille and singer and frontman, Marshall Hugh of the Marshall Law Band. On this edition of Bloodworks 101, host John Yeager, with the help of producer Helen Pitlick, introduce us to these two remarkable musicians, who also embody the Music's In Our Blood campaign.
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In 2016, University of Washington sociology professor and mother of two, Alexes Harris was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a type of cancer where the blood-producing cells in a patient’s bone marrow became abnormal and create blood cells that don’t function properly. As Bloodworks 101 producer Bill Harper tells us, Alexes underwent chemotherapy treatment to reach remission, but when it came time to find a suitable bone marrow donor, her improving condition met a health equity wall: Her mixed race background meant the chances of finding a donor were slim at best. Here's today's BEST OF 2024 episode of Bloodworks 101 from February of 2024.
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In February of 2024, since it was Black History Month, we took a hard look at Sickle Cell Disease, a devastating genetic blood disorder that predominantly impacts people of African descent. In this Bloodworks 101 Best of 2024 episode, producer Helen Pitlick told us that Sickle Cell disease is an unfortunate reality for many members of Black communities, and at Bloodworks, we’d like to make it history. Dr. Raymond Adili of Bloodworks Research Institute thinks this is possible.
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Meet Bloodworks' newest Principal Investigator, Dr. Moua Yang. Dr. Yang sat down with Bloodworks 101 producer Helen Pitlick to discuss his research, what drives his work, and how Bloodworks Research Institute is changing how we think about more than just blood -- Dr. Yang just might make you eat your veggies, too. Here's today's BEST OF 2024 episode entitled, "The Chemistry of Clotting."
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When you walk into a Bloodworks Northwest Donor Center, mobile drive or pop-up center to donate blood, you never know the difference you can make. Ridgefield, Washington's Joshua Bell has first-hand knowledge of that. And as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager tells us in this BEST OF 2024 episode, that donation can often make the biggest difference in the world.
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Did you know that the history of blood transfusion goes back four centuries? There's a lot that we don't know about blood. January is National Blood Donor Month, a time set aside to raise awareness for the cause of blood donation because typically in January, there are fewer donors after the winter holidays, even though blood is still critically needed. If you want to know about blood, spend some time with the man who literally wrote the book on blood - Professor Douglas Starr. That's what producer John Yeager did recently for this BEST OF 2024 edition of Bloodworks 101.
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Wednesday, December 18th is State Blood Donor Day in the State of Washington. Bloodworks Northwest' s Director for Government Affairs, Juan Cotto came up with the idea a few years ago to honor the state's first responders and to draw attention to the need for blood. We picked December 18th because it markes the anniversary of a state emergency, the derailment of Amtrak 501, that killed three, injured dozens and crippled the state's interstate system. Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager spoke to Cotto recently, about the need to be prepared for "those types of accidents."
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December 18th is set aside each year in the State of Washington as State Blood Donor Day. Bloodworks Northwest has led the effort behind it in order to recognize the need for blood when emergencies hit but also to honor first responders who were on the scene December 18th, 2017 when Amtrak 501 derailed, killing three, injuring dozens and crippling one of the state's major freeways for days. One of those first responders was a young man named Dan Konzelman, who was on the way to an accounting job that morning. And as he told Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager, it was a day that would change Dan's life forever.
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This is a special ENCORE edition of Bloodworks 101, we're calling, “The New Era of Blood Donation.” We’re re-publishing it this week because something very significant happened one year ago this week. After more than thirty years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finally lifted its deferral on blood donations from gay and bisexual men. For the first time since 1982, gay and bisexual men could finally donate blood.
As Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager tells us, the episode features two of the most outspoken and enthusiastic donors, Dylan Smith, our Donor Services Supervisor in Vancouver, Washington, in the Portland metro area and his partner, Juan Gonzalez.
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Since it's Thanksgiving, it seemed like a good idea to thank the thousands of generous Bloodworks Northwest donors who come through our donor centers every single day. One of those donors is a guy who used to be, in his words, "a fainter." He's former KING5 reporter Chris Cashman, who hosted a series of videos this spring entitled, "One Thousand Thank You's."
Over the years, there's been a profound transformation in Chris. He's gone from a fainter to ... we'll let Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager take it from there.
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University of Washington senior Bryn Ament has a very cool job: she's a handler for one of the biggest celebrities in the state. She's also a blood donor, and the We Give Blood Drive with Big Ten and Abbott is an opportunity to bring both these worlds together.
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Veterans' Day was set aside to honor those servicemen and women who put country first. Ask veterans what they got out of the experience and you'll probably get a wide variety of answers. Bloodworks Northwest President & CEO served as a chopper pilot with the United States Marines, an experience that has helped shape him as a leader. A lot of it has to do with something called "progressive scanning." Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager has the story.
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How is workplace safety like steering an aircraft carrier? Randy Pickett will tell you. As manager of Bloodworks' Occupational Health and Safety program and a Navy veteran, he has plenty of experience in both.
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Do you believe in ghosts? Seems like a good question to ask since it's Halloween. Well, whatever you call them, something unexplained is happening at the new Bloodworks Donor Center in Beaverton, Oregon. And as producer John Yeager found out, the director there, Jake Cole is not only seeing and hearing things he cannot explain but it's helping him get home on time. Here's a special Halloween edition of Bloodworks 101.
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Do you believe in ghosts? Before you answer that question, it might be a good idea to listen to this edition of Bloodworks 101. Well, maybe not. Because if you do believe, this will send shivers up your spine. That's what happened to producer John Yeager when he travelled to the Bloodworks Donor Center in Eugene, Oregon, where they can tell you ... we're definitely not alone.
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As a fitness buff, Randy Cantrell knew he wanted to do something big to celebrate turning 70. And as a lifelong blood donor, he also wanted raise money for Bloodworks. Bloodworks 101 co-producer Helen Pitlick joined Randy for a walk around Green Lake in Seattle as part of his epic birthday fundraiser.
Got a creative idea for a fundraiser? Our Development Office would love to hear from you: learn more.
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Overcoming a fear of needles can be a daunting task but consider the consequences, if you can do it - you can literally save a life. That's what Bloodworks Northwest donor Yosi Elison thought about when his long-time girlfriend, Melissa Maron finally convinced him to make an appointment and donate blood. But little did he know, that decision to donate would mean he and Melissa would ... well, Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager takes it from here. Here's an edition of Bloodworks 101 you'll never forget.
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When you walk into a Bloodworks Northwest Donor Center, mobile drive or pop-up center to donate, you never know the difference you can make. Ridgefield, Washington's Joshua Bell has first-hand knowledge of that. And as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, according to Bell, that donation can make the biggest difference in the world.
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Growing up Mexican in Eastern Washington presented a lot of challenges for Jose Iniquez, especially since he wanted to be an opera singer. But as Bloodworks 101 contributor Juan Cotto discovered, Iniguez has made overcoming challenges his life's work.
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Meet Bloodworks' newest Principal Investigator, Dr. Moua Yang. Dr. Yang sat down recently with Bloodworks 101 producer Helen Pitlick to discuss his research, what drives his work, and how Bloodworks Research Institute is changing how we think about more than just blood -- Dr. Yang just might make you eat your veggies, too.
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Recently, Seattle Times columnist Danny Westneat wrote a piece called, "In Seattle, It's the Millionaire Next Door." The piece highlighted the fact that there's tremendous wealth in the state's largest city. So, that must make fundraising in Seattle easy, right? As Development Strategist Molly Donahue told Producer John Yeager, that's not the way we look at fundraising here at Bloodworks Northwest. Not by a long shot. Here's today's edition of Bloodworks 101.
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In a matter of weeks, Bloodworks Northwest will hold the Grand Opening of our newest donor center in Puyallup. No one knows the center like the guy who's going to run it - Supervisor Jeremy Tanner. And as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager Jeremy is no stranger to blood donation and he knows how important that Bloodworks Northwest be able to serve donors in Pierce County who may be looking for a place to donate after Cascade Regional Blood Services went out of business earlier this year.
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September is National Preparedness Month. So, we can think of no better time to republish one of our favorite episodes entitled, "We Don't Have to Live in Fear." It's all about the Stop The Bleed program. The idea behind Stop The Bleed is to help bystanders with no medical training to actually help save a life when an emergency strikes and everything is a matter of life and death. As Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, while Stop The Bleed seeks to save lives, it also gives those who take the course, the empowerment it takes to run towards an emergency when everyone else is running away.
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As you've probably heard, The Seattle Mariners have a new manager - Dan Wilson.
The former Mariners catcher, played 12 years for the M's, making the playoffs in 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2001 before retiring in 2005.
In 2012, Wilson was inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame alongside his battery-mate, pitcher Randy Johnson. But as noteworthy as Wilson's career on the field was, it's his work helping Northwest charities over the years that has had a lasting impact on his community.
Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager caught up with Dan recently at a Pop-Up Blood Drive hosted by the Mariners at T-Mobile Park for this special ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101.
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If you're a blood donor, why do you donate? Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager caught up with former KING 5 news anchor and Mark Wright, who's a loyal Bloodworks Northwest donor and got a surprising answer to that question. Mark, who's also the host for the "Beats Working" podcast told John that when it comes to blood donation, there's really no good reason not to. Here's a special ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101.
Here's a link to "Beats Working."
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beatsworking
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Do you remember what you did December 6th, 2023? Did it stand out in any way? For Mark Dyce-Ryan it's a really special day he'll never forget. Because, as producer John Yeager tells us on this special ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101, that's the day Mark was finally able to save a life.
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Sometimes it's easy for many people to underestimate a little thing like rolling up your sleeve and donating a unit of blood. But Seattle's Paul Patu is not one of them. That's because, as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, Patu owes his life to that "little thing." And wait til you hear what the impact of that one man's life turned out to be. Here's a special ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101.
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Think back - what did you binge watch during the pandemic? We all have our favorites and why we love them. Seattle's Jill Gallagher has a reason why she's binging and it's literally saving lives. Producer John Yeager explains on this special ENCORE edition of Bloodworks 101.
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We're hopping into your feed this week with a short update: There have been some conversations in the media recently about cord blood banking that have caused some confusion, so we wanted to talk a little about that and share a great resource. Emily Pajcic, RN, and Chelsea Price, RN, of Bloodworks' Cord Blood Donation Program recently sat down with Lauren Ryan of Cancer Pathway’s Encompassing Cancer podcast to talk about the lifesaving power of cord blood.
Go check it out! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifesaving-power-of-cord-blood-with-emily/id1616721257?i=1000662294720
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Did you know that dogs and cats can donate blood? As a Bloodworks executive, Jill Thomas never questioned that blood would be there for a loved one when they needed it. But when her beloved Boston Terrier, Leroy, had cancer surgery, she learned that, for our pets, this isn't always the case. Dogs, cats, and even ferrets might need blood for all the same reasons as we do: surgery or trauma, anemia, auto-immune disorders, heat stroke, or other illnesses. Come with Bloodworks 101 as we step into a different sort of donor center.
Pet blood banks in Western Washington:
- Seattle: Timberline Veterinary Blood Bank
- Greater Seattle: Blue Pearl Blood Bank in Renton
- Bellingham: Northwest Veterinary Bloodbank
Pet blood banks in Western Oregon:
- Portland: Dove Lewis Blood Bank
- Greater Portland: VCA NWVS Critical Care Blood Bank in Clackamas
- Corvallis: Wilvet Blood Donor Program
Elsewhere: PetPlace's list of Animal Blood Banks (2015)
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For several months, Sammamish's Chris Cashman covered hundred of miles across the Pacific Northwest, visiting Bloodworks Northwest donor centers and sharing inspirational stories of blood donors as well as blood recipients.
Today, on Bloodworks 101, he helps producer John Yeager wrap up Season Five of this podcast series. And today, Chris does so in his official capacity as King Neptune of Seafair. But what makes this episode really special is how Chris Cashman found a way to pay it forward. And that's where his daughter, Maddy comes in.
Schedule a Donation
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Drs. Amily Guo and Pavel Davizon-Castillo at Bloodworks Research Institute are helping science to better understand the full function of platelets, making your donations go even further.
Schedule a Donation
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Michelle Millman used to meet a daily deadline as an award-winning journalist at KIRO7 TV in Seattle. Today, Millman is the CEO of Seattle-based Cancer Pathways. She's also keenly aware of what it takes to be a cancer survivor. On today's edition of Bloodworks 101, Millman and a fellow cancer survivor share their stories with producer John Yeager. And as John found out, that cancer survivor, Hanna Safley, says she wouldn't be here if it wasn't for hundreds of blood donors she'll never know.
Schedule a Donation
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It's not everyday we feature a Canadian veterinarian and a rare blood procedure called xenotransfusion. But that's exactly what brought international media attention to the vet, Dr. Cameron Berg and the Toronto Wildlife Centre recently. And that's how Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out about it. In today's episode, John shares the story of Dr. Cameron Berg and the Lucky Fox.
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June 14 is World Blood Donor Day! Did you know that blood donation eligibility is a little different in every country? In this episode, we head down under as Bloodworks 101 co-producer Helen Pitlick talks to Iain Gosbell and Cath Stone of Lifeblood about donating blood — and more — in Australia. Learn more at lifeblood.com.au.
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Laura Kamada likes to hum and make up songs. Laura helps organize blood drives with Vitalant in San Luis Obispo, CA, and what started one morning as a little rhyming ditty soon turned into a children's book about blood donation: Everyone Needs Blood. Bloodworks 101 producer Helen Pitlick sat down with Laura to talk about her work, what it’s like to write a book, and why truly everyone needs blood.
You can find Everyone Needs Blood on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Everyone-Needs-Blood-Laura-Kamada/dp/B0CSGR7NYP.
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First and foremost, Comfort Zone, a peer-run drop-in center in Portland, is a safe space. And Vivilynn Amity is one of the people who make it special. Vivilynn is a blood donor, blood drive coordinator, and self-described "emo vampire kid." As Bloodworks 101 producer Helen Pitlick learned, it's not just a phase.
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May 23rd, 2024 is National Stop The Bleed Day. It's a day set aside to help bystanders with no medical training actually help save a life when an emergency strikes and everything is a matter of life and death. As Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, while Stop The Bleed seeks to save lives, it also gives those who take the course, the empowerment it takes to run towards an emergency when everyone else is running away.
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Former Washington Governor Gary Locke has a long resume and a distinguished career in public service but did you know he was also an advocate for blood donation? Recently, Locke sat down with contributor Juan Cotto for this special edition of Bloodworks 101.
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When Kristin Kleinhofer's acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) returned, she picked a mantra, a quote by Christopher Reeve: "Once you choose hope, anything's possible." It's this hope, along with the decision made by two families to donate their babies' cord blood and the generosity of more than 90 blood donors, that powers Kristin today.
When journalists leave the newsroom, they leave the pressure of a daily deadline. It can be liberating for some but for many, this transition also brings on the beginning of a new search for purpose. At least that's what's happened to former KING5 reporter, Chris Cashman. And as Bloodworks 101 podcast producer John Yeager, also a former journalist tells us, Chris has found it by looking for ways to say thanks - to Bloodworks Northwest donors.
By day, Olympia's Lynette Manning sets up blood drives for Bloodworks Northwest. By night, she's a promising standup comedian with a loyal following. And as Lynette tells Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager in this special BONUS edition, her work with Bloodworks has helped her on stage but as John found out, there's another reason why she's inspired.
April 16th, 2007 will be remembered as one of the deadliest shootings in American history, leaving 33 people dead on the Virginia Tech campus, including the shooter. It's a day West Seattle's Whitney Moore would like to forget but now feels compelled to honor. Whitney was a student that day when the "sirens were deafening" on the Virginia Tech campus. She shares her story with producer John Yeager on this special edition of Bloodworks 101.
When Bloodworks’ chief financial officer Bob Gleason retires in June, he will leave an already-cemented legacy as a values-driven finance maestro. Bob has set a high bar, and Bloodworks looked far and wide for a business leader who could match his standards and finesse. And now, Bloodworks is excited to welcome Jeff Perry into the CFO role. Bloodworks 101's Helen Pitlick sat down with Jeff to get to know him a little better and learn more about what he has planned for Bloodworks.
Former Seattle Mariners catcher Dan Wilson played 12 years for the M's, making the playoffs in 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2001 before retiring in 2005. In 2012, Wilson was inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame alongside his battery-mate, pitcher Randy Johnson. But as noteworthy as Wilson's career on the field was, it's his work helping Northwest charities over the years that has a lasting impact on his community. Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager caught up with Dan recently at a Pop-Up Blood Drive hosted by the Mariners at T-Mobile Park for this special ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101.
Sometimes it's easy for many people to underestimate a little thing like rolling up your sleeve and donating a unit of blood. But Seattle's Paul Patu is not one of them. That's because, as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, Patu owes his life to that "little thing." And wait til you hear what the impact of that one man's life turned out to be.
Dom Carreiro works in Bloodworks' Transfusion Service Lab at Overlake Hospital. Dom and his team are a direct link between our inventory of typed, tested blood and the patients who need it – or at least, their medical care teams. And sometimes things don't go according to plan.
It's rare that a blood donor and a recipient get to connect but that's exactly what happens on this special ENCORE episode of Bloodworks 101 when frequent platelet donor Dan Ertel meets Mack Bell, a 30-year-old African-American man living with cerebral palsy, who contracted a potentially-deadly blood condition called aplastic anemia. That's a deficiency of all types of blood cells caused by failure of bone marrow development.
Mack, as you'll discover, was the recipient of several transfusions that played a big role in the effort to save his life. So, here's what happens when someone with a lot to be grateful for gets to thank someone who wasn't expecting it.
But there's more. Wait til you hear what's happened since this story first ran in January of 2022.
If you're a blood donor, why do you donate? Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager caught up with former KING 5 news anchor and Mark Wright, who's a loyal Bloodworks Northwest donor and got a surprising answer to that question. Mark, who's also the host for the "Beats Working" podcast told John that when it comes to blood donation, there's really no good reason not to.
Here's a link to "Beats Working."
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beatsworking
In 2016, University of Washington sociology professor and mother of two Alexes Harris was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a type of cancer where the blood-producing cells in a patient’s bone marrow became abnormal and create blood cells that don’t function properly. Alexes underwent chemotherapy treatment to reach remission, but when it came time to find a suitable bone marrow donor, her improving condition met a health equity wall: Her mixed race background meant the chances of finding a donor were slim at best.
After learning that all her family members – including her fraternal twin brother – were ineligible to be her donor, Alexes and her husband drove to an appointment with her transplant doctor at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (now Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center). They thought they’d be signing a consent form for a mixed-match transplant. But instead, they met Dr. Filippo Milano, whose clinical trial with cord blood transplants offered another option, one that would make the happiest moment of two families’ lives the best moment of hers too.
Besides supplying 95% of the hospitals in the Pacific Northwest with lifesaving blood products, Bloodworks Northwest advocates for blood donation at the highest levels of state government in Oregon and Washington. With Olympia lawmakers in session this winter, Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager sat down with Bloodworks Director of Government Affairs, Juan Cotto to discuss the organization's legislative agenda. And if Juan's efforts are successful, every driver in the State of Washington will notice.
Bloodworks' Tree of Life celebrates blood donors who have given 100 or more units. Ed Schultz fell in love with the Tree of Life on visits to Bloodworks' Bellevue Donor Center, but seven years ago, it appeared he might never donate blood again. Bloodworks 101 co-producer Helen Pitlick sat down with Ed and his wife, Ellie, to capture the emotions of his 100th donation.
Are you an "open book"? Can people tell how tired you are or what kind of day you've had just by the look in your eye? Well, there's a young woman in North Carolina named Eseosa Evbuomwan who says that she, "does not look like what she's been through." In honor of Black History Month, producer John Yeager shares this remarkable story of perserverance on today's edition of Bloodworks 101.
It’s Black History Month, and we’re taking a look at Sickle Cell Disease, a devastating genetic blood disorder that predominantly impacts people of African descent. Sickle cell disease is an unfortunate reality for many members of Black communities, and at Bloodworks, we’d like to make it history. Dr. Raymond Adili of Bloodworks Research Institute thinks this is possible.
Do you remember what you did December 6th, 2023? Did it stand out in any way? For Mark Dyce-Ryan it's a really special day he'll never forget. Because, as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, that's the day Mark was finally able to save a life.
In "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald and later a movie directed by David Fincher, the protagonist ages backwards: he’s born an old man and dies as a baby. It’s fiction, but for some young patients, the premise is not that farfetched.What happens when kids exhibit disorders more often seen in the elderly? Dr. Pavel Davizon-Castillo of Bloodworks Research Institute wants to find out.
Platelets are the part of blood that help control bleeding by collecting and clotting at the site of an injury. However, the role that platelets play in immune response is emerging and exciting, and Bloodworks Research Institute is privileged to now be home to one the most brilliant minds investigating this relationship: Dr. Li "Amily" Guo. Bloodworks 101 producer Helen Pitlick sat down with Dr. Guo to learn about her research—and the curiosity that drives her.
Did you know that the history of blood transfusion goes back four centuries? There's a lot that we don't know about blood. January is National Blood Donor Month, a time set aside to raise awareness for the cause of blood donation because typically in January, there are fewer donors after the winter holidays, even though blood is still critically needed. If you want to know about blood, spend some time with the man who literally wrote the book on blood - Professor Douglas Starr. That's what producer John Yeager did recently for this edition of Bloodworks 101.
As the year ends, taxable income becomes more important as you consider your 2023 income tax returns. So, it's top of mind, right? But did you know there's an easy way to donate to nonprofits like Bloodworks Northwest and get a tax deduction without all the headaches of gathering receipts? On this ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101, John Yeager speaks with Gene Farrell, President & CEO of a fintech startup called Vanilla. Gene's also a member of Bloodworks' Board of Trustees and an expert when it comes to contributing to a cause you care about.
Washington Huskies Football defensive back Mishael Powell -- Meesh -- attended O'Dea High School, practically across the street from Bloodworks and yet a world apart. Meesh stopped by Bloodworks on December 18, State Blood Donor Day, to talk about community, football, and how to spread the word about the importance of regularly donating blood.
We launched "Bloodworks 101" in January of 2020 with a story about Bloodworks Northwest blood courier, Tom Newman. The episode was entitled "Paying it Forward with Tom Newman" (S1 E1). We explored why Tom drives all over the Pacific Northwest delivering and picking up lifesaving blood products. It's vital work that Newman does with good humor regardless the traffic or the often rude drivers with whom he shares the road. But as producer John Yeager discovered, there is a compelling reason why Tom Newman does what he does and her name is Beth Newman - Tom's wife. In this episode, we meet Beth Newman and learn how her whole life changed on a beautiful morning in late November, 2007.
In fact, on that day - it hung in balance. Here's an ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101.
On Wednesday, December 6th, 2023, gay and bisexual men will finally be able to donate blood because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has changed its guidelines regarding blood donation. It's a day Seattle's John Rubino wondered would ever come. In fact, John's history with blood donation isn't new. Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager takes it from there.
When you come into a Bloodworks Northwest donor center are you a donor or a consumer? That's just one of the questions President & CEO Curt Bailey unpacks in this special BONUS edition of Bloodworks Northwest. As Bloodworks opens more donor centers like the one recently opened in Beaverton, Oregon, these questions take on more weight. Here's a wide-ranging conversation Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager had with Curt that focuses on our new Bloodworks Northwest Consumer Insights Survey.
CW: pet illness and death. Did you know that dogs and cats can donate blood? As a Bloodworks executive, Jill Thomas never questioned that blood would be there for a loved one when they needed it. But when her beloved Boston Terrier, Leroy, had cancer surgery, she learned that, for our pets, this isn't always the case. Dogs, cats, and even ferrets might need blood for all the same reasons as we do: surgery or trauma, anemia, auto-immune disorders, heat stroke, or other illnesses. Come with Bloodworks 101 as we step into a different sort of donor center.
Pet blood banks in Western Washington:
- Seattle: Timberline Veterinary Blood Bank
- Greater Seattle: Blue Pearl Blood Bank in Renton
- Bellingham: Northwest Veterinary Bloodbank
Pet blood banks in Western Oregon:
- Portland: Dove Lewis Blood Bank
- Greater Portland: VCA NWVS Critical Care Blood Bank in Clackamas
- Corvallis: Wilvet Blood Donor Program
Elsewhere: PetPlace's list of Animal Blood Banks (2015)
When you donate blood, you have no idea where your blood goes nor do you know who received it. This is a story about someone who received it. Her name is Natasha Erickson, a stay-at-home mom from the Portland area. Natasha will be on hand for the Grand Opening of our new donor center in Beaverton. Why? Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager takes it from here.
The Armed Forces Blood Program ships blood anywhere in the world that it's needed. Dom Carreiro would know: he used to supervise the blood bank at Oak Harbor before coming to Bloodworks as a civilian. But what about platelets, which only have a 5-7 day shelf life? The Stolla Lab at Bloodworks Research Institute, led by Dr. Moritz Stolla, has been the recipient of multiple grants from the US Department of Defense because of their work to extend the shelf-life of platelets.
This month, Bloodworks Northwest is holding it's Grand Opening of the new Bloodworks Northwest Beaverton Donor Center in the Portland area. It's been years since Bloodworks has opened a brand new brick and mortar donor center anywhere in the Portland area. There's been a lot of anticipation but as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, it's all part of the plan to deliver a better donor experience.
This week, acclaimed Chef Thierry Rautureau, "The Chef in the Hat," died at age 64 from pulmonary fibrosis. Last year, Bloodworks 101 contributor Bill Harper, who's fluent in French, was able to sit down with Chef Thierry for a conversation about life and food and the importance of having enough blood on hand.
In May of 2022, Bill wrote, "French-born Chef Thierry Rautureau has been a pillar of the Seattle culinary for decades as the visionary of such seminal restaurants as Rover's Loulay, and Luc. When we approached him to join our Culinary Coalition in support of blood donation and the Savor Life Save a Life campaign, he eagerly agreed and said in his interview with Bill Harper, "without blood, there is no life." Well said, Chef. À table!"
Platelets -- the part of blood that helps control bleeding -- are lifesaving for cancer patients, those receiving organ or bone marrow transplants, victims of trauma, and patients undergoing open-heart surgery. But donated platelets have a shelf-life of only 5-7 days. What if we could extend the life of platelets? What if modern platelet use is based on outdated assumptions? Dr. Moritz Stolla of Bloodworks Research institute wants to find out.
For most of us, breaking a toe is a painful inconvenience. For Josh McCullough, co-host of podcasts Murder in the Rain and Always Be My Sisters, it might have saved his life—along with Bloodworks donors and the cardiac surgery team at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. We sat down with Josh to talk about his heart surgery, the community connection of blood donation, and what cold case he'd most like to see solved.
More from Josh:
- Murder in the Rain
- Always be my Sisters
You'd think a simple thing like how to train a blood collection specialist wouldn't take any effort to change. Think again. In this episode of Bloodworks 101, producer John Yeager sits down with two specialists; Juan Cotto and Lisa Ballinger from Bloodworks Northwest as they unpack how they cut through the red tape, and in the process helped Bloodworks Northwest save time, money and maybe even lives.
Since the early 1980's, there has been a ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood. Until now. In just a matter of weeks, Bloodworks Northwest will implement new guidelines set down by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, allowing gay and bisexual men to donate.
At the Vancouver Donor Center in the the Portland Metro area, Dylan Smith and his partner Juan Gonzalez plan to be the first in line. Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager sat down with these two young men to discuss why blood donation is so important to them. For Dylan it's easy - he works for Bloodworks. But there's more. Much more.
Even though an aggressive form of leukemia took his life at age 6, Declan Reagan’s story is about living with cancer, not dying from it. In this ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101, his mom, Lauren describes Declan’s penchant for pushing limits and breaking rules, and her determination to find a way for him to see the new Jurassic World movie that was set to debut 6 months after he was given just 2 weeks to live. On their side in this impossible quest? A mom on a mission, hope, and Chris Pratt. Contributor Bill Harper says you've never heard a story like this before.
We've all heard news stories about the impact of Articial Intelligence. Many of them highlight the dark side of machines controlling our lives. But as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager discovered, there's another side of machone learning and AI that promises to save lives. And it all starts with a unique partnership between two Seatle-based companies - Ozette and Bloodworks Bio.
Long-time Seattle radio news host and loyal Bloodwork Northwest donor, Gregg Hersholt discusses "Life After Morning Drive" and the importance of donating blood on a regular basis. But before he can donate, he needs to get his iron level up.
In this episode, Hersholt tells tells Bloodworks 101 host John Yeager the story of how he's dealing with life after a 50-year career in news but it's also about what happens when you attempt to donate blood and at first you don't succeed.
Global health care company, Fresenius Kabi announced last fall, the 12 newest inductees into their Blood Donation Hall of Fame. For nearly a quarter century, the Donation Hall of Fame has recognized the unique stories of those who are passionate about and committed to blood donation. On this episode of Bloodworks 101, producer John Yeager was on hand for the induction of Eugene Oregon's Dan Ertel, a man who has had a huge impact on his community but a guy who hates to be at the center of attention.
We all have our reasons for donating blood that finally compel us to schedule an appointment. Whidbey Island's Natasha Vanderlinden had to overcome her significant fear of needles but as host John Yeager tells us in this ENCORE episode of "Bloodworks 101," once she overcame that fear, you'll never guess what happened. Natasha's story didn't happen overnight. It would play out over 20 years. And little did she know that it would begin on one of the most horrific days in American history, September 11th. 2001.
Originally released in October 2021, with several important updates: this is the story of two remarkable two women -- Henrietta Lacks and Sonya Chris Ellis -- separated by decades but immortal to those who carry on their legacies, as told by two remarkable women -- Lacks' great-granddaughter Victoria Baptiste and Dr. Ashley Ellis -- the lessons their families want us all to learn from their lives, and why diverse participation in medical research, such as the All of Us Research Program, is vital.
Anybody who is interested or has questions can go to JoinAllofUs.org/BWNW or contact us at AllofUs@bloodworksnw.org
By day, Olympia's Lynette Manning sets up blood drives for Bloodworks Northwest. By night, she's a promising standup comedian with a loyal following. And as Lynette tells Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager, her work with Bloodworks has helped her on stage but as John found out, there's another reason why she's inspired.
As of January, Bloodworks Northwest now has access to as many as one thousand new donors in the Pacific Northwest simply because an FDA deferral is being lifted. As Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager tells us, that's because new evidence has led the FDA to remove the deferral requirement associated with time spent in the U.K., France, and Ireland due to the risk of vCJD also known as Mad Cow Disease.
This comes as music to the ears of donor James Bancroft and as Bancroft can tell you - it's about time.
Ever heard of a lactaided ringer? Do you know the difference between blunt and pentrating trauma? Today, on a special ENCORE EDITION of Bloodworks 101, entitled, "Transfusions in the Field," Lieutenant Michael Barokas, a Medical Services Officer for Seattle's Medic One answers those questions as we take you behind-the-scenes in the life and death battle that can happen every time Barokas leaves on an emergency. It's also a battle where blood donors like you play a big role, as producer John Yeager found out.
(TW: This episode contains graphic references to the effects of gun violence and suicide.)
In May of 2009, Seattle's Drea Mizer was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. She faced weeks of grueling cancer treatment, including 8 chemo treatments, 5 blood transfusions and 2 surgeries. But thanks to the fact that there was enough blood on hand - by December of that year, she was decalted NED, No Evidence of Disease.
Today, Drea is alive and part of our Savor Life Save a Life campaign thanks to a team of gifted surgeons and Bloodworks Northwest donors she'll never know.
The remarkable true story of how Seattle's Sue Nixon owes her life to the quick response of genuine Good Samaritans and paramedics at Medic One, the tireless research of scientists at Bloodworks Northwest's Research Institute, and the blood donations of people she may never meet. But it all started The Day a Heart Stood Still.
We're sharing it with you now because next week, Sue will be sharing her story with lawmakers in Olympia in hopes that they'll get a better idea of how blood donation can make a lifesaving difference - one life at a time.
You’ve probably heard about the connection between heart disease and high cholesterol for years, but did you know how they tie together? That’s something that Principal Investigator Dominic Chung, PhD, of Bloodworks Research Institute is examining. As contributor Helen Pitlick tells us, it's in the blood.
The Intentionalist makes it easy to find and support local small businesses and the diverse people behind them through everyday decisions about where we eat, drink, and shop.
They say, "spend like it matters," because small businesses are important to the social and economic fabric of our communities. Local businesses bring cultural diversity, contribute philanthropically, and they simply make our communities better.
Intentionalist founder and CEO, Laura Clise is a valuable partner and supporter of the Savor Life Save a Life donor awareness campaign with Bloodworks Northwest. Producer John Yeager spoke with Laura recently for this episode of Bloodworks 101.
26 year-old Cal Raleigh is a catcher for the Seattle Mariners, 24 year old Tariq Wollen is a corner back with the Seattle Seahawks and at 17, midfielder Olivia Moultrie from the Portland Thorns is the youngest female professional soccer player in the United States.
All three have promising careers ahead but there's something else they have in common, a strong desire to make a difference in their community by advocating for the cause of a healthy and sustainable blood supply. Recently, Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager got a chance to sit down and talk with all three of these "Youngbloods."
In an effort to reach out to young and BIPOC donors, Bloodworks Northwest is teaming up with The Residency, a local nonprofit seeking to build a powerful community of young hip-hop artists equipped with the artistic and leadership skills, business acumen, and mentorship necessary to become professional artists and cultural change makers. The campaign is called, "Where The Heart Lives."
Success in this campaign also depends on local community leaders like Converge Media's TraeAnna Holiday. Bloodworks 101 producer spoke to TraeAnna recently on the importance of the campaign and how the issue of blood donation has touched her family.
Sunday is Mother's Day, a day set aside to honor moms everywhere. But if your life was saved because one day, a mom decided to donate her cord blood stem cells, Mother's Day has a whole new meaning. Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager spoke with two moms, one who oversees the cord blood program at Bloodworks Bio and the other, who owes her life to the fact there was enough cord blood on hand when her life depended on it.
We used to say that you can save three lives with each donation because whole blood can be divided into red cells, platelets, and plasma. This just isn’t the case anymore, and that’s actually a good thing for local patients and non-profit blood centers like Bloodworks. That’s because we now collect 100% of our platelets from apheresis. Vicki Finson and Russ Juntenen in our Blood Services department explain why.
Bloodworks 101 is designed to inspire you to donate either time, money or blood. Since April is National Volunteer Month, we wanted to devote one episode to lifting up the 3,000 volunteers who donate their time to the mission here at Bloodworks Northwest. On this edition, you'll meet three of our finest volunteers and who knows? You may just get the idea to donate your time too.
It's that time of year again - tax time. So, it's top of mind, right? But did you know there's an easy way to donate to nonprofits like Bloodworks Northwest and get a tax deduction without all the headaches of gathering receipts? On this edition of Bloodworks 101, John Yeager speaks with Gene Farrell, President & CEO of a fintech startup called Vanilla. Gene's also a member of Bloodworks' Board of Trustees and an expert when it comes to contributing to a cause you care about.
March is Women's History Month, a time set aside to honor the contributions of women in this nation. But with spring in the air, it's also time for baseball, since today is Opening Day at T-Mobile Park for the Seattle Mariners.
Bloodworks 101 contributor Juan Cotto spoke with Ingrid Russell-Narcise from the Mariners front office about baseball, about how women have changed the game and like any baseball fans this time of year, they talked about possibilities.
Why did Dr. Reheman (Raymond) Adili join Bloodworks Research Institute? "Simple answer is: Bloodworks saves lives." But, like the blood clotting mechanisms he studies, there isn't just one, simple explanation. Learn more about our newest Principal Investigator at https://www.bloodworksnw.org/researchers/adili.
By day, Kyle Boynton is a mild mannered platelet donor recruiter. But by night (and on weekends), he writes and produces wacky short horror films that are drawing attention from film critics and professionals all over the world. With the Academy Awards coming up Sunday night, we thought it'd be especially timely to share a special bonus episode of Bloodworks 101. In this episode, contributor Helen Pitlick gets Kyle to talk about his two favorite things: movies and saving lives.
On St. Patrick's Day, 2017, 3-year-old Jane O'Connell was diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer. Within weeks, she was receiving regular blood and platelet transfusions. Her mother, Christine says it was like "watering a dry plant." When the O'Connell's family and friends asked how they could help, the answer was simple: donate blood. Five years later Jane is cancer free and as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, her family now hosts a virtual blood drive so other kids like Jane can get the transfusions they need.
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate acheivements of Black Americans but it also gives us a chance to look at the road ahead and what needs to be done. As Bloodworks 101 host John Yeager discovered, when it comes to mothers and babies in our Black community, a significant cord blood shortage today is making the playing field, anything but level. And as Dr. Christina Melief at Bloodworks Bio tells us, that impact may last decades.
Across the state and the country, the donor base is aging and younger donors just don’t have the awareness to step up and fill the need. By bringing together all the places anyone could give blood in Washington – Bloodworks, Cascade, Vitalant, and the American Red Cross – we’re hoping to make needed changes at the state level that will help the blood supply throughout the region. Follow Bloodworks on your favorite social media channels to stay up to date with our legislative work.
February is Black History Month. What does that mean? Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager sat down with Juan Cotto, Bloodworks' Senior Government Affairs & Community Engagement Strategist as well as former Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best for a frank discussion about race and the challenges ahead when it comes to getting more Black people in our community to donate blood.
Have you ever donated platelets? Platelets are the part of blood that help control bleeding by collecting at the site of an injury and helping for clots. Kyle Boynton, our Donor Center Collection strategist, wants you to try platelet donation if you haven’t. We sat down with Kyle to talk about his work and why this matters so much to patients in the Pacific Northwest.
Bloodworks' regional transportation manager Kyle McDaniel biked his way into a career and a fresh mindset. Learn how one fateful rainy Seattle day delivering blood on the Burke Gilman Trail changed Kyle's life forever.
Experts tell us that on January 18th, 2023, Bloodworks Northwest could have access to as many as one thousand new donors in the Pacific Northwest simply because an FDA deferral is being lifted. As Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager tells us, that's because new evidence has led the FDA to remove the deferral requirement associated with time spent in the U.K., France, and Ireland due to the risk of vCJD also known as Mad Cow Disease.
As a New Year begins, Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager spent a few virtual moments with Curt Bailey, Bloodworks Northwest's President and CEO to take a look ahead to 2023 and the challenges facing Bloodworks. As John found out, time was on Bailey's mind, and specifically, the time it'll take the organization to fully recover from the impact of the pandemic.
Former Seattle Mariners catcher Dan Wilson played 12 years for the M's, making the playoffs in 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2001 before retiring in 2005. In 2012, Wilson was inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame alongside his battery-mate, pitcher Randy Johnson. But as noteworthy as Wilson's career on the field was, it's his work helping Northwest charities over the years that has a lasting impact on his community. Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager caught up with Dan recently at a Pop-Up Blood Drive hosted by the Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
Sunday, December 18th, 2017 is a day many people in the Pacific Northwest will never forget, at least not if Bloodworks Northwest's Juan Cotto has his way. That's the date of the tragic Amtrak 501 derailment near DuPont, Washington that killed three, injured dozens and impacted thousands trying to drive between Seattle and Portland for days after the derailment. On that day, Bloodworks was able to send more than 150 units of blood to hospitals in the area. So as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, Juan Cotto has a simple message on this State Blood Donor Day - donate blood, because you just never know when a disaster might hit. And if there's not enough blood on the shelves before a disaster - it'll be too late.
It can sometimes be a challenge to find two people with the same blood type. It's even harder to find two people with the same HLA type, but this is critical when evaluating organ transplants. Learn how Bloodworks' labs ensure that each lifesaving transplant is a good match.
To describe Marshall Hugh as the front man for Seattle's Marshall Law Band only scratches the surface. Marshall is not only a talented musician and songwriter but he's a strong proponent for positive change in our community. He's also an enthusiastic advocate for Bloodworks Northwest and the cause of blood donation. Why? Well, as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager discovered, it comes from Marshall Hugh's life as a point guard.
If you love music and you listen to Seattle's KEXP, you probably know who Cheryl Waters is. As an announcer at KEXP, Cheryl has been part of Seattle's musical landscape for more than 20 years. Because of live performances and interviews on YouTube, which she's hosted, she also has a following of music lovers all over the world. But did you know she's a strong advocate for blood donation and a regular blood donor? As Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, there's a very good reason why.
Perhaps you've seen it on Tumblr, Reddit, or Know Your Meme: a photo of one of Bloodworks' old donation buses, zoomed in a few times, with a darkly funny caption. It came out in 2016 but still resurfaces today. We talked with meme creator Isaac Marion (who, by the way, is also a best-selling author) to get the story.
The meme: https://knowyourmeme.com/photos/1068182-stock-photography
More about Isaac: https://isaacmarion.com/
What if we could prevent a $6 billion medical problem impacting thousands of Americans? A groundbreaking collaboration between cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Lindner and Bloodworks Research Institute could play a critical role in understanding heart valve disease. We talked with Jonathan about this work and how science benefits from teamwork and transparency.
Ask anyone who's ever dealt with a "cancer mom" and they'll tell that they're tough as nails and never want to hear the odds. They'll also tell you that donating blood is huge. That's the message that Christine O'Connell and her "cancer moms" are spreading right now because September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager takes us to the Bloodworks' Bellevue Donor Center where he shares the powerful story of Christine and her friends, some of whom have lost their kids to cancer. But regardless the outcome of their life and death stories, they're all here, donating blood in the Names of Their Children.
Recently-four-year-old Greyson Ouellette wasn’t even born yet when his parents, Sarah and Brian, found out he had a heart defect. At her 20-week full anatomy scan, Sarah’s care team determined that the ventricle of Greyson’s heart was already significantly smaller than normal size, meaning that he would be born with Single Ventricle Disease (SVD), a rare congenital heart defect that affects just five out of every 100,000 newborns in America each year. Babies born with SVD require surgery immediately after birth, often one or more afterwards and, in some cases, need a heart transplant later in life.
Today, Greyson has had two open-heart surgeries in his only four years of life but is doing well, playing with his older twin brothers and attending preschool.
During all of Greyson’s treatments, procedures, and inpatient stays, Sarah promised herself that once Greyson was stable, she would find a way to families struggling with this rare disease. She believed not enough was being done to advance new treatments and improve outcomes for these kids, so awareness and support of SVD families became her mission. She started putting together care packages for families who’ve just found out their baby will be born with SVD, including supplies necessary for long hospital stays and a heartfelt letter of her own story. She raises funds for this project by selling “Team Greyson” merchandise online.
As one of Bloodworks tiniest patients, Greyson is a reminder that anyone, at any time, might need blood to live. That’s why donating blood is so important.
Many of us connect with loved ones over dinner, drinks, or backyard barbeques. Not this local group of friends: for over 40 years, they've come together to catch up while donating blood. Now it's down to the final four: Bob, Sue, Guy, and Al, who tell the story of this remarkable friendship in their own words.
Read more: https://seattlerefined.com/lifestyle/bloodworks-nw-donate-blood-seattle
We first shared Elisa Barston’s story last year as part of our Music’s in our Blood campaign, which connected with more than ten thousand new and re-engaged blood donors. Music’s back, and this time around we’ve doubled that goal: we’re hoping to hit 20,000 donors. Elisa’s reason for donating is just as relevant as ever – she made her most recent donation on her mom’s birthday.
Learn more about the campaign: https://www.bloodworksnw.org/music
Bloodworks supports essential healthcare in all its forms. Reliable access to safe, medical abortion is a public health issue. As the transfusion experts in our region, we are concerned with the potential for dangerous outcomes, including bleeding and death, when pregnant individuals are left without safe and timely access to abortion. Dr. Kirsten Alcorn explains how the Roe V. Wade reversal may impact the blood supply in our region.
Our official statement: https://www.bloodworksnw.org/about/news/impact-roe-v-wade-on-transfusion
Ever heard of a lactaided ringer? Do you know the difference between blunt and pentrating trauma? Today, in Part Two of our special Bloodworks 101 series entitled, "Transfusions in the Field," Lieutenant Michael Barokas, a Medical Services Officer for Seattle's Medic One will answer those questions as we take you behind-the-scenes in the life and death battle that can happen every time Barokas leaves on an emergency. It's also a battle where blood donors play a big role, as producer John Yeager found out.
Ever wonder what happens to your blood once you donate? Well, as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, sometimes it goes to the front line where seconds count in the battle between life and death.
Today, in the first of a special two-part series about Transfusions in the Field, you'll meet Dr. Michael Sayre from Seattle's Harborview Medical Center who plays a crucial role in making sure your blood get to where it needs to be.
Everyone has a reason to walk into a blood donation center and donate. For Seattle's Sharelle Klaus, the founder of DRY Soda, it all started with a conversation she had with her good friend, Mark Dyce. But now Sharelle's on a mission because after that conversation her reason to donate blood became personal. Here's the latest edition of Bloodworks 101 with your host John Yeager.
When our communities need help, "restaurants just show up," according to famed Seattle-area Chef Ethan Stowell. In this episode of Bloodworks 101, producer John Yeager sat down with Ethan as Bloodworks wrapped up its "Savor Life. Save a Life." blood donation awareness campaign and, as you'll hear in this episode, the help from the culinary community "showing up" for patients in need couldn't have come at a more critical time.
Seattle resident Randy Small had his first heart attack at just 29. After growing up witnessing his mother struggle with heart disease, he wasn't surprised when he, too, was diagnosed. "That began the long, slow slide to transplant," he says. But then he got a phone call that changed everything, gave him a new family, and taught him about what he calls “collateral benefit.”
What have you been binge watching during the pandemic? We all have our favorites and why we love them. Seattle's Jill Gallagher has a reason why she's binging and it's literally saving lives. Producer John Yeager explains on this edition of Bloodworks 101.
It's 2009 and Vashon Island's Amanda Kelly is in the fight for her life with a flesh-eating bacterium. To this day, no one knows how she got it. Amanda spent weeks in the hospital. She was given last rites. All seemed lost. But thanks in part to transfused blood from Bloodworks Northwest donors, today Amanda Kelly is a mother of five with a brand new outlook on life. As Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager tells us, that's because sometimes it takes something personal to hammer home a deep appreciation for the importance of blood donation.
French-born Chef Thierry Rautureau has been a pillar of the Seattle culinary for decades as the visionary of such seminal restaurants as Rover's Loulay, and Luc. When we approached him to join our Culinary Coalition in support of blood donation, he eagerly agreed and said in his interview with Bill Harper, "without blood, there is no life." Well said, Chef. À table!
At age 30, Elaine Sonntag Johnson was loving her career as a family therapist, blissfully married, and eager to start a family. But following blood tests from her OB/GYN, she was diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (or PNH for short) and given just 3-5 years to live. In an ode to Mothers' Day and moms everywhere, this is an episode of resilience and hope; that diagnosis was 37 years ago, Elaine and husband Daniel have two adopted children in their 20s, and thanks to a breakthrough medication for PNH patients, King County's most prolific blood recipient (over 1,000 units) rarely needs blood anymore.
Blood has always been a part of Tiffany McDermott's life. The recently-retired OB/GYN first grew up in a family of blood donors, then, throughout her career, witnessed firsthand the impact a unit of blood can have on a new mother or her baby if there are complications in childbirth. Now, retired and in her work as a Bloodworks Northwest volunteer, she travels to area hospitals to share the importance of cord blood collection and even help train staff. Listen in to hear where her passion comes from, what her hopes are for the Bloodworks cord blood collection program, and why, for so long, she's wanted to be a Bloodworks volunteer.
Something special is brewing at Olympia's Three Magnets Brewery. It's a new blood orange red IPA that's part of a blood donation awareness campaign with Bloodworks Northwest called, "Savor Life Save a Life." And on this edition of Bloodworks 101, producer John Yeager tells us that there's a lot more to this special beer than ingredients like hops and barley and even the creativity of the brewers. If you want to find the heart of this story, just ask Sara Reilly, one of the co-owners at Three Magnets.
French-born Chef Thierry Rautureau has been a pillar of the Seattle culinary for decades as the visionary of such seminal restaurants as Rover's Loulay, and Luc. When we approached him to join our Culinary Coalition in support of blood donation, he eagerly agreed and said in his interview with Bill Harper, "without blood, there is no life." Well said, Chef. À table!
Traci Calderon at Atrium Kitchen in Pike Place Market "backed into" life as a restaurateur here in Seattle. She started Atrium Kitchen by providing free and more importantly, nutritious meals to seniors and others in need in the Market neighborhood. She also made a living as a caterer. But then in March of 2020, when the pandemic hit - she watched it all disappear. Just like that. What she did next is one of the reasons she's such a valuable culinary partner is the Savor Life Save a Life campaign.
Denise Whitaker, Gregg Hersholt and Brian Callanan all make a living by telling stories. They're all Pacific Northwest award-winning journalists. But as Bloodworks 101's John Yeager discovers in this episode of Bloodworks 101, they all make a difference in their community by donating blood and by "walking the talk".
From March 3 until June 30 2022, Bloodworks Northwest will partner with dozens in the Seattle culinary community in hopes of recruiting 10,000 new or re-engaged donors. It's called the Savor Life, Save a Life Campaign. As Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, for a couple of those culinary partners, James Beard Award-winning chef Jason Wilson and his wife, Deborah Friend Wilson - co-owners of the Bellevue restaurant The Lakehouse - the reason they're involved in a blood donation campaign is personal.
First Bloodworks 101 episode published as a 2022 International Academy of Arts & Sciences Anthem Award Winner!
Every few months, we get the entire Bloodworks Northwest staff together for a "Town Hall" to check in, regroup, celebrate successes, and make ambitious future plans. In the last one on 12/1/2021, Bloodworks 101's own John Yeager interviewed Bloodworks President & CEO Curt Bailey on why he's optimistic for the future, what we've learned in these pandemic years, and how he feels that together, we've become not only a stronger community blood center, but a stronger community too.
Dr. Ashley Ellis, the Assistant Medical Director at Bloodworks Northwest could never figure out why Black History Month was only confined to February. Here at Bloodworks, she's deeply involved in the "All of Us," a research program that aims to level the playing field when it comes to health care. She's also been at the forefront of our response to the recent national blood emergency and its impact on Transfusion Services. That's why her pager is always going off. What drives a committed professional like this? As Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager tells us, it all started with Ashley's big sister, Sonya.
We've all heard the expression, "It takes a village." Where it came from isn't 100 percent clear. But what is certain is that when it comes to our community's response to the current national blood shortage - it's up to all of us.
On this edition of Bloodworks 101, producer John Yeager speaks with Dr. Jorge Reyes, the Chief of Transplant at the University of Washington and Seattle Childrens' Hospital. And as John finds out, for Reyes, the impact of not having enough blood on hand became very real and very personal.
Leo Notenboom is many things: 342nd employee at Microsoft, entrepreneur, animal lover, amateur radio operator, host of the Annual Pacific Northwest Corgi Picnic, dedicated platelet donor. In this episode of Bloodworks 101, listen in as Helen Pitlick interviews Leo on his many passions while he's donating platelets for the 105th time and discovers it's his optimistic nature that motivates him in everything he does, from wilderness animal rescue to platelet donation. To learn more about Leo and see photos from the Corgi Picnic(!), visit here: https://blog.bloodworksnw.org/national-blood-donor-month-leo-notenboom/
In today's polarized political times it's hard to find an issue that actually brings people together but that's exactly what Juan Cotto, Bloodworks' Senior Government Affairs and Community Engagement Strategist does every time he talks to Olympia lawmakers about blood donation. And as he tells Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager, that makes Juan a busy guy ... on both sides of the aisle. Oh, and he's a big football fan as well.
It's rare that a blood donor and a recipient get to connect but that's exactly what happens on this episode of Bloodworks 101 when frequent platelet donor Dan Ertel meets Mack Bell, a 30-year-old African-American man living with cerebral palsy, who contracted a potentially-deadly blood condition called aplastic anemia. That's a deficiency of all types of blood cells caused by failure of bone marrow development.
Mack, as you'll discover, was the recipient of several transfusions that played a big role in the effort to save his life. So, here's what happens when someone with a lot to be grateful for gets to thank someone who wasn't expecting it. Not by a long shot.
When local real estate agent Heidi Christensen made a blood donation recently, little did she know it would lead to a 4 day/4 night trip to see Macklemore in a December concert in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and a special backstage meet and greet with the multiple-Grammy-winning artist after the show. That's because Heidi's donation meant that her name was entered in a Donate and Win Music Experience as part of Bloodworks' Music's In Our Blood Campaign. The campaign is helping to generate awareness of the critical need for blood through music’s ability to drive connection, and recruit 10,000 new donors by the end of the year. So, as Christmas grows near, here's a special bonus "stocking stuffer" episode of Bloodworks 101 from producer John Yeager.
Elisa Barston, principal second violinist with the Seattle Symphony, knows the power of both music and blood: her mom, Gilda, gave her an appreciation for both. Elisa explains how her mom's fight against leukemia opened her eyes to the importance of platelet donation.
Vicki Finson is the Executive V.P. for Blood Services at Bloodworks. It's Finson's job to ensure that there's enough blood on hand when an emergency happens, like the Downtown Seattle rush hour shooting in January of 2020 or the Amtrak 501 Derailment near Lacey, Washington on December 18th, 2017 that killed three, injured dozens and impacted thousands of drivers along the I-5 Corridor between Seattle and Portland for days. Bloodworks Northwest was able to send 150 units of blood to hospitals near the derailment that day. But what if it happened today? Would there be enough blood on the shelves right now? The answer, as Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager tells us - isn't what you want to hear.
Saturday, December 18th marks four years since the derailment of Amtrak 501 that killed three and injured dozens. But it's also the Second Annual State Blood Donor Day in Washington and Oregon. One of those behind the idea of setting aside a day to honor blood donation as well as first responders is Juan Cotto, the Senior Government Affiars and Community Engagement Specialist for Bloodworks Northwest. In this episode of Bloodworks 101, Juan explains the thinking behind the Day and why the concept of mainting an adequate blood supply is so important - before an emergency happens.
Seattle rock band Mudhoney is often seen as instrumental (pun intended) in the creation of the grunge genre of the 1990s. But few people know that its bassist is also a nurse at the Pacific Northwest's only Level 1 trauma center, Harborview Medical Center, and has built up a career learning on every shift the importance of having donated blood on hand.
As part of Bloodworks' "Music's In Our Blood" initiative, here Guy discusses his perspective on the critical nature of blood for trauma patients at Harborview, summing it up with "If we don't have that blood available these people will die."
This short bonus episode of Bloodworks 101 ends with host, Bloodworks employee, and, cancer survivor, and 267-unit recipient Bill Harper making a personal plea for blood donations this holiday season. "End the Year with Hope," he says, and we think that's a great idea.
ENCORE EDITION: Thursday, November 18th, 2021 marks the day Amtrak Cascades service resumes on the Point Defiance Bypass near DuPont, Washington, the site of the Amtrak 501 derailment in December 2017.
Saturday, December 18th is the second annual State Blood Donor Day in Washington and Oregon, a day set aside to mark the 4th anniversary of the Amtrak 501 Derailment near Olympia, Washington and critical importance of blood donation. Podcast Producer John Yeager spoke to Bloodworks staffers and volunteers on hand that day at the Olympia Donor Center where on December 18th, 2017, when word of the the deadly crash spread, "people just started showing up."
On this edition of Bloodworks 101, you'll find out about SIDx and a brand new rapid, near-patient blood typing instrument. It's also about one of the Northwest's best-kept secrets - The Bloodworks Research Institute in Seattle where this revolutionary approach to blood typing will save help save lives- when minutes count.
Do you have trypanophobia? It's the fear of needles and it's way more common than you think. In fact, it plays a huge role in whether you donate blood or not. In this premiere edition of the Second Season of "Bloodworks 101," John Yeager talks to those who suffer from a fear of needles, a phlebotomist who tries to calm down those anxious blood donors, who are afraid of the needle and finally with a clinical psychologist who helps patients face their fears head-on.
Unless you're donating blood, it's generally supposed to be in your body. When it's not, something is often wrong. Blood, even the fake stuff you see everywhere around Halloween, evokes a primal reaction.
In this episode of Bloodworks 101, we talk to Cara Elise of Georgetown Morgue, Jolene Obertin of Seattle Reparatory Theater, and Nathan Page of UWild about how fake blood can create real emotion.
But wait, there's more! Jolene shares a few spooky recipes to craft your own fake blood.
Option 1: This will wash out of a lot of things (but probably not everything)
- 1 bottle corn syrup
- 250 ml chocolate syrup
- 1 C water
- 1T (heaping) corn starch
- 1 1/2T (heaping) Coffee Mate
- 3 drops yellow food coloring
- red food coloring to make it look natural
Heat the corn syrup and chocolate syrup in a pot, Dissolve the corn starch in water and mix into the syrup.
Add Coffee Mate ( this will be a bit lumpy-it goes away eventually) and food coloring.
If you want it extra thick , triple the amount of dry goods.
Option 2: This will stain fabrics and skin
- 1 (6 oz) box raspberry gelatin
- 1 (6 oz) box strawberry gelatin
- 1/4 c (heaping) cocoa
- 6 drops blue food coloring
- 1 (2 oz) bottle of red food coloring
Mix cocoa in about 2/3c of very hot water, cool
Add gelatin and food coloring
Add cold water until you get the consistency you want
Option 3: Old timey movie blood
Hershey's Chocolate Syrup & red food coloring
On October 19th, 2021, a Virtual Blood Drive begins, honoring Eugene's Caitlin (pronounced CAT-lin) Roberts and the story of a brutal attack in her own home just five days before Christmas, 2019. Once you hear it you'll never forget it. Nor will you forget the enduring optimism she reflects as she tells her story. Since October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager couldn't think of a better time to publish, "A Dark Cloud Over Christmas - Caitlin Roberts Story of Survival." We hope this episode will help you make the decision to donate as part of that virtual drive. Don't forget, the code to share with the donation center or Pop-Up when you arrive to donate is FSL.
It's no secret that for KEXP announcer Reeves Richards, music is in his blood. He credits his father, Dr. Ken Richards with introducing him to classic rockers like AC/DC back when Reeves was just a kid, growing up. But today there's something else that Reeves gets from his dad - a deep appreciation for how important it is to give blood. In this edition of Bloodworks 101, producer John Yeager shows us that in this family the apple doesn't fall far from the ... well you know.
This is the story of two remarkable two women -- Henrietta Lacks and Sonya Chris Ellis -- separated by decades but immortal to those who carry on their legacies, as told by two remarkable women -- Lacks' great-granddaughter Victoria Baptiste and Bloodworks' Dr. Ashley Ellis -- the lessons their families want us all to learn from their lives, and why diverse participation in medical research, such as the All of Us Research Program, is vital.
- Learn more about All of Us: https://go.joinallofus.org/bwnw
- Continue the conversation at the HeLa100 Colloquium on October 4, 2021: https://hela100.org/2021-colloquium
You may know that cats and dogs can give blood, but what about birds of prey? Dr. Nicki Rosenhagen of PAWS in Lynnwood, WA joins Bloodworks 101 to tell the story of Bey, a bald eagle found down in West Seattle, and the golden eagle who donated blood to save her life.
An update on this hero: https://issuu.com/paws_wa/docs/minimag_08-30-21_issue_9-issuu/s/13345757
We all have our reasons for donating blood that finally compel us to schedule an appointment. Whidbey Island's Natasha Vanderlinden had to overcome her significant fear of needles but as host John Yeager tells us in this episode of "Bloodworks 101," once she overcame that fear, you'll never guess what happened. Natasha's story didn't happen overnight. It would play out over 20 years. And little did she know that it would begin on one of the most horrific days in American history, September 11th. 2001.
This is a story about a bone marrow transplant, a mother’s dying wish, a long-held family secret, and how one way to find your sister is by saving her life fourteen years before you met her for the first time. And how all those things came together from six states away in a way that even the people involved still find hard to believe.
When Judy Larraga’s oncologist told her she needed a bone marrow transplant to be cured of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in 2004, she consented to the aggressive procedure immediately, despite the risks and challenging treatment course it entailed. And as a Hispanic woman, her chances of finding a suitable donor match to even get the transplant were just 46%. But she never lost hope that there’d be someone out there to help her.
Who that “somebody” turned out to be would change Judy’s life forever, strengthen her faith in God, and bring a whole new dimension to a family secret her mother revealed on her death bed. It would be 15 years before she knew the rest of the story.
How did Bloodworks staff get through quarantine? Bloodworks 101's own John Yeager and Bill Harper, along with Donor Center Collections Strategist Kyle Boynton, lost themselves in the magic of movies - and, through this, found connection.
We throw around the expression, "It's a matter of life and death," so frequently that the words can lose their impact. However, when you talk to trauma and transplant surgeons at the University of Washington Hospital and Seattle Children's Hospital about the consequences of not having enough blood on hand for critical surgeries - that's exactly what they'll tell you. It's literally a matter of life and death, especially with a summer holiday weekend like July 4th approaching, when emergency rooms typically see an increase in trauma cases rushing in.
On this episode of Bloodworks 101, producer John Yeager spoke with two noted local surgeons, Dr. Jorge Reyes and Dr. Saman Arbabi about the importance of having an adequate blood supply for the life and death decisions they have to make every single day.
Dr. Charles Drew is known as the Father of Blood Banking. He’s credited with saving thousands of lives during World War II after coming up with the concept of the blood bank but he resigned after a ruling that the blood of African Americans would be segregated.
Drew died in an automobile accident in April of 1950. To this day, some believe the story that this pioneer in the blood banking industry was denied admittance to a local hospital after the accident because he was Black. But is it true?
To answer that question and many others about Dr. Charles Drew, contributor Juan Cotto got a chance to talk to Drew’s daughter, Sylvia Drew Ivie, the Special Assistant to the President at Charles Drew University in Los Angeles.
So on this episode of Bloodworks 101 we attempt to separate the man from the myth, and celebrate a true pioneer in blood science whose legacy endures today.
We find investigators in a lot of places, mainly in movie and television crime dramas. But there is a group of dedicated investigators at the Bloodworks Research Institute in Seattle that looks into cases of life and death every day. In this edition of Bloodworks 101, host John Yeager introduces us to that group; Dr. Jose Lopez, Sumi Paranjape, Dr. Moritz Stolla, Dr. Jing-Fei Dong and Dr. Jill Johnsen. In this episode entitled, "Meet the Investigators," you'll learn that what drives them is a deep and abiding desire to save lives.
Bloodworks has data that says a lot of potential donors don’t give because they don’t think they’re eligible. And it’s true that many folks in the US do not meet the FDA’s strict eligibility requirements to give blood to another person. But there are opportunities for nearly everyone, regardless of FDA requirements, to make a big impact.
It's hard enough to climb Mount Everest, the world's highest peak. Now try to do it with a life-threatening blood disorder like Hemophilia B that can cause serious internal bleeding. That's exactly what Colorado-based mountaineer Chris Bombardier attempted to do in 2017 when he produced a documentary called, "Bombardier Blood." Recently, Chris spoke with Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager and unpacked the message of the documentary, and shared the reason why he sought not only to climb Everest, but the rest of the world's Seven Summits.
One year ago, as the enormity of the Covid-19 pandemic began to reveal itself, the blood supply in the Pacific Northwest suddenly became perilously close to total collapse. That's one of the things that Bloodworks Northwest President and CEO remembers about what life was like here at what Bailey calls, "the epicenter of the pandemic." But as he tells Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager, it's how our donors responded that really stands out to this day. That, and something called a "Pop-Up" Donor Center.
In April of 2020, long before vaccines came on the scene, one of the most promising treatments for those suffering with the coronavirus was Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma (CCP). Back then, in some of the darkest days of the pandemic, Bloodworks Northwest started looking for those people who'd contracted Covid-19 and had enough antibodies in their blood to qualify as CCP donors. Bloodworks was looking for people like Vashon Island's Peter Bonow. In this edition of Bloodworks 101, producer John Yeager speaks with Bonow and relays a special message from one of those grateful recipients who says CCP made the difference in the their lives.
Even though an aggressive form of leukemia took his life at age 6, Declan Reagan’s story is about living with cancer, not dying from it. In this episode of Bloodworks 101, his mom Lauren describes Declan’s penchant for pushing limits and breaking rules, and her determination to find a way for him to see the new Jurassic World movie that was set to debut 6 months after he was given just 2 weeks to live. On their side in this impossible quest? A mom on a mission, hope, and Chris Pratt. You’ve never heard a story like this before.
Two years after Declan's passing, Lauren took a job at Bloodworks in Vancouver, WA and walked into the office to see faces she remembered from Declan's memorial service. "It's like coming home," she says of her new position working for the local blood center that prolonged her son's life. In her work today, she continues Declan's legacy, and we are honored to share her story.
Producer: Bill Harper
In this special Women's History Month edition of "Bloodworks 101," Dr. Jill Johnsen from the Bloodworks Research Institute talks about why she thinks Covid-19 is disproportionately impacting women in science. As she tells host John Yeager, while there has been much progress made by women in the field, there's still a lot of work that needs to be done.
Seattle's Mack Bell is a 30 year-old African-American man living with Cerebral Palsy. Four years ago, it didn't look like Bell was going to make it. But today, thanks to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the support and comfort from his former high school principal as well as dozens of Bloodworks Northwest blood donors he'll never know, Mack is able to tell his story of survival. And as we discover on this edition of "Bloodworks 101," Mack Bell had to come face-to-face with something we're all adjusting to - more than a year of social distancing.
Part of Mack's story is the fact that as an African-American, the deck literally is stacked against him in his effort to find a suitable match as he fought Aplastic Anemia. If you'd like more information about this go to: bethematch.org/
February is Black History Month, a time set aside to recognize the accomplishments African- Americans have made in society as well as honestly face the areas where progress still needs to be made. This episode of "Bloodworks 101," recognizes the accomplishments made by our community partner, the Seattle Mariners who lead Major League Baseball in the number of Black players on their roster (10). Host John Yeager and contributing editor Juan Cotto spoke with long-time M's announcer Dave Sims, a prostate cancer survivor about the importance of blood donation, that league leading distinction and of course they talked baseball.
February is Black History Month so our own Juan Cotto spent some time talking with Oregon State Senator, James Manning, an African American leader who's made his presence felt in the lives of his constituents but also in the lives of many people he'll never know.
We launched "Bloodworks 101" last January with a story about Bloodworks Northwest blood courier, Tom Newman. The episode was entitled "Paying it Forward with Tom Newman" (S1 E1). It explored why Newman drives all over the Pacific Northwest delivering and picking up lifesaving blood products. It's vital work that Newman does with good humor regardless the traffic or the often rude drivers with whom he shares the road. But as producer John Yeager discovered, there is a compelling reason why Tom Newman does what he does and her name is Beth Newman - Tom's wife. In this episode, we meet Beth Newman and learn how her whole life changed on a beautiful morning in late November, 2007.
In fact, on that day - it hung in balance.
In this encore edition of "Bloodworks 101," we'll meet Communications Specialist Bill Harper, a gifted storyteller here at Bloodworks Northwest. But in this special encore edition of "Bloodworks 101," that ran on Independence Day, 2020, you'll find out why one of the best stories Bill tells is the one about his own journey and why Independence Day has a special significance for him. When Bill Harper speaks about the value of blood donation - it's with a conviction that comes from hard-earned truth.
Last spring, as the COVID-19 pandemic was just beginning, long-time blood donor Tom Baldridge walked into the Bloodworks Northwest Donor Center in Bellingham, Washington to donate blood. He did it to help save lives during the early stages of the pandemic. But little did he know that it would change his life - in a big way.
Dr. Jose Lopez was recently named Chief Scientific Officer for the Seattle-based Bloodworks Research Institute. Not bad for a kid who grew up poor in the hills of New Mexico. Though Dr. Lopez faced long odds, his upbringing has helped him discover other diamonds in the rough. The net effect? Lives are saved through important research done there at the Research Institute under his leadership.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma (CCP) in treating those testing positive for the virus has provided a real ray of hope. Back in September, Bloodworks employee Angie Keller's mother was diagnosed with COVID-19. At 81 years old, her risk was significant. Fortunately, Angie's mom was approved to receive CCP treatment, the kind collected at Bloodworks. How'd she do? Find out in this episode of "Bloodworks 101."
Ruger is a golden retriever who works with Kitsap Search & Rescue but he's also part of a new program Bloodworks Northwest is now offering to search and rescue operations all over the Pacific Northwest. And as Bloodworks 101 producer John Yeager found out, Ruger may be a pure bred golden retriever but in this case he's a different kind of blood hound.
The global coronavirus pandemic has upended just about everything about how we live our lives today, even striking deep and very quickly at the heart of our blood supply.
In this episode of Bloodworks 101, we hear from Bloodworks Executive Vice President of Blood Services and blood industry veteran Vicki Finson – who’s adapted to just about every other manner of natural disaster throughout her career – how she and her team handled this one. “Overnight,” they modified Bloodworks’ entire blood collection infrastructure to the new, socially-distanced normal to make sure patients’ access to blood continued uninterrupted.
Since the first days of the virus, no one knew what was coming next. But one thing’s for sure: The summer is 2020 was nothing if not unprecedented, but it’s the reason why that has us hopeful for what’s to come.
Back in March, when the COVID-19 pandemic first began, it looked like the impact on our ability to collect blood would be devastating. Social distancing guidelines forced our fleet of bloodmobiles off the streets, blood drives at high schools, colleges and businesses were now suddenly a thing of the past.
So Bloodworks Northwest started something called a “Pop-Up” Donor Center at T-Mobile Park, the now-vacant home of the Mariners since the MLB 2020 season was postponed. But their space at the ballpark offered Bloodworks the ability to collect blood while giving Mariners fans a chance to show their support of the team as well as for the cause of maintaining an adequate blood supply. The "Pop-Up" concept has since proven to be so effective that the idea is being tried in other stadiums, theaters and museums across the Pacific Northwest. But the Mariners' Pop-Up Donor Center was where it all began.
The first day of the Mariners Pop-Up Donor Center, some current and former Mariners players and front office staff stepped up to donate blood. Some for the first time. One of those was Rick Rizzs, the Voice of the Mariners who spoke with Bloodworks 101 Producer John Yeager about the 2020 baseball season and the importance of donating blood.
An update to the remarkable true life story. Seattle's Sue Nixon owes her life to the quick response of genuine Good Samaritans and paramedics at Medic One, the tireless research of scientists at Bloodworks Northwest's Research Institute, and the blood donations of people she may never meet. But it all started The Day a Heart Stood Still.
Communications Specialist Bill Harper is a gifted storyteller here at Bloodworks Northwest. But in this special Independence Day edition of Bloodworks 101, you'll find out why one of the best stories Bill tells is the one about his own journey and why the Fourth of July has a special significance for him. When Bill Harper speaks about the value of blood donation - it's with a conviction that comes from hard-earned truth.
Is there a connection between blood type and risk factors for COVID-19? That's what Dr. Jill Johnsen from the Bloodworks Northwest Research Institute wants to find out. This episode explores that question and others as the search for answers in the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
It seems like every day we hear more discouraging news about the rapid and deadly spread of COVID-19. As the death toll passes 100,000, it's hard to be hopeful. However that just means you haven't met 79 year-old Sheila Julich. Sheila is an on-call nurse at Kirkland, Washington's Life Care Center, where the first confirmed cases of COVID were recorded and where 37 lives were lost, many of them Sheila's friends and long-time residents. But as more and more of us become familiar with what convalescent plasma is - more of us come to realize that maybe Sheila Julich represents a sliver of hope.
When Molly Firth arrived at the hospital for the birth of her first baby, she was expecting just that – to have a baby. But never could she have imagined she’d have a maternal hemorrhage and emergently require several units of blood to keep her life. Thanks to Bloodworks, she got them in time, her baby was born healthy, and she views her current position on the organization's board as a "full circle moment."
In 2017, Isaac Williams was diagnosed with high-risk, Stage IV neuroblastoma at just 17 months old. Facing a course of treatment lasting the duration of his life so far, Isaac, his mother Kelli, father Dennis and older brother Isaiah endured the unthinkable, faced their worst nightmares, and clawed their way back to normal life. In this episode, we hear from Dennis and Kelli about their journey, from that awful moment when their world changed forever, to today, when Isaac is, as the slogan was for his blood drive, #IsaacStrong.
The remarkable true story of how Seattle's Sue Nixon owes her life to the quick response of genuine Good Samaritans and paramedics at Medic One, the tireless research of scientists at Bloodworks Northwest's Research Institute, and the blood donations of people she may never meet. But it all started The Day a Heart Stood Still.
Seattle's Elizabeth Schneider is Bloodworks Northwest's first Convalescent Plasma donor. Convalescent Plasma is donated by those who've tested positive for COVID-19, have recovered and have a clean bill of health for 28 days. In a story with too few happy endings, stories like Elizabeth Schneider's offer the world a measure of something that's been in short supply - hope.
The story of a Bainbridge Island woman, LinMara Bluebird, who says, "Bloodworks Northwest saved my life." Bluebird was diagnosed with a rare form of hemophilia. World class doctors at the Washington Center for Bleeding Disorders say her case was one in a million.
This episode sponsored by USI Insurance and Swedish.
As the Medical Director for Bloodworks Bio, Dr. N. Rebecca Haley’s newest project is one that could, if history is any guide, have a big impact in worldwide the fight against COVID-19. Over the past few months, the virus has disrupted public health systems the world over, leaving officials scrambling to respond.
But Dr. Haley is taking a pioneering path with a century-old technique, using antibody-rich “convalescent plasma” from donors who’ve recovered from COVID-19 to transfuse into patients currently sick with it, giving their immune systems a boost that could prove lifesaving. It’s worked with other pandemics, and Dr. Haley thinks it’s worth a try this time too. Listen to find out why.
Co-produced by Bill Harper.
Bloodworks Northwest's Executive Vice President of Blood Services Vicki Finson knows what happens behind the scenes when the blood supply dips to emergency levels. Listen in as she describes her reaction to learning about the February 2020 shooting in downtown Seattle during a severe blood shortage, and her advice to our community to make sure we're ready for the next crisis, including the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
Co-produced by Bill Harper.
As concern grows over the spread of COVID-19, Bloodworks Northwest, the leading provider of blood in the Pacific Northwest, sounds the alarm. The blood supply in the Pacific Northwest is collapsing. As a result, Bloodworks President & CEO Curt Bailey has a new urgency in his message to donors - "We're not gonna ask anymore." The time to donate is now. In this special episode of Bloodworks 101, Bailey unpacks the thinking behind this new approach to addressing the potential impact of the coronavirus.
Imagine winning a brand new car just for donating blood. In this episode, we travel across Puget Sound to Bremerton, Washington and talk to the staff at Haselwood Auto Group who are partnering with Bloodworks Northwest on a unique promotion - a new car giveaway. But there's more to the story than that - a lot more.
Dr. N. Rebecca Haley is Medical Director of Cord Blood Services, the National Marrow Donor Program Donor Center and Apheresis Center at Bloodworks Northwest. She also gives medical direction for Blood Collection Services. She is a hematologist and has more than 20 years of experience in blood center management and biotechnical development. But more than that, Dr. Haley serves as an inspiration to young women considering a career in science.
Bloodworks Northwest's new President & CEO is Curt Bailey, a former Marine chopper pilot who takes a snowboarder's approach to leadership in the competitive Seattle health care industry. In 75 years as a Pacific Northwest institution, Bloodworks has always been led by a President & CEO with an M.D. behind his or her name. Curt Bailey comes with an MBA, a background that serves him well.
In this trailer, you'll meet John Yeager, your host for this podcast and find out why people at Bloodworks Northwest are so enthusiastic about the project. In this short piece you'll get a hint of the kind of stories the staff at Bloodworks Northwest will be sharing every month or so.
Tom Newman is a courier for Seattle-based Bloodworks Northwest. In this episode of the monthly podcast, Bloodworks 101, Newman explains why he'd do this job whether they paid him or not. Tom delivers blood products from Bloodworks Northwest's transit center in Georgetown (on Seattle's South side) to hospitals and blood drives from the Canadian border to Southern Oregon and just about everywhere in Western Washington. He drives hundreds of miles a day in all kinds of traffic but wait til you hear how Tom got started and why. Newman told host John Yeager all about it on this premiere episode of Bloodworks 101 entitled "Paying in Forward with Tom Newman."