Buffalo Grove Woman Marks 400 Blood, Platelet Donations

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Since 1971, one consistent at local blood donation events has been Nancy Prater. The Buffalo Grove resident was recently honored for her 400th blood and platelet donation at the Vitalant Arlington Heights Donor Center.

According to Vitalant, Prater's journey began as a "simple act of kindness," and has turned into a lifelong commitment to helping patients in need.

In 1990, a close family friend's father was diagnosed with leukemia and urgently needed a platelet transfusion. Again, Prater stepped up to the plate and began donating platelets.

"The family friend was so appreciative of my donation that I just kept giving," said Prater, who has lived in Illinois for more than 45 years. "Knowing people in the hospital need blood and platelets to survive — it stayed with me."

Vitalant said because in part due to consistent platelet donations, her friend's father lived several more years.

"Give it a try," Prater said of donating blood. "I think it's fun because I know I'm changing someone's life — someone who's battling cancer or fighting to survive."

According to Vitalant, platelets are especially critical for patients undergoing cancer treatment, transplants, and complex surgeries. With their short shelf life, the need for donors never pauses —even during the holidays.