Oceanside Resident Donates 150th Gallon Of Blood

OCEANSIDE, CA — A longtime blood donor marked a major milestone Monday.

San Diego Blood Bank celebrated Oceanside resident Thomas Kessler as he donated his 150th gallon of blood at the organization's Vista donor center. Kessler, who has donated 634 times since 1990, was recognized with festive balloons and fanfare from staff.

Kessler has donated blood and platelets at San Diego Blood Bank for 35 years. He started donating when a friend of his family was diagnosed with leukemia and needed blood transfusions. His friend is now in total remission and is preparing to become a dad to his second child.

"Even if you only have time to donate once, your donation could make a difference, not just in San Diego but possibly throughout Southern California," Kessler said. "You could be helping a child or an adult — you never know whose life you may change."

To be eligible to donate blood, donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Visit SanDiegoBloodBank.org/donate or call 619-400-8251 to schedule an appointment.