When it comes to donating blood, the Thomson family makes it a family affair. Gary Thomson, his wife, Jessie and their son, Tyler all donated blood on Sept. 17 during a two-day Tomah Health / Versiti Blood Center drive at Tomah Recreation Park. “I’ve donated 3 gallons so far, Gary’s donated 1 gallon and this is actually Tyler’s second time donating,” said Jessie.
It’s also the second time the entire family got together to donate. “She started giving blood to begin with and then I gave her a hard time about it, and she finally got me to start donating,” explained Gary. “It’s kind of nice to have it as a family affair. I wish we could get our other two (children) to do it,” said Jessie. “I’m glad that Tyler’s up for doing it. You know, it kind of shows him that he can help people by just giving blood,” she added. Tyler had to have his parents’ consent to donate since he is 16 years old. He said donating was a good thing. “I’m able to help save lives.”
Versiti officials said 67 donors took part in the Sept. 17 and 18 drives, which collected blood products that will help 201 patients. “We are grateful to everyone who came out to donate at the Tomah Health community blood drive.” said Versiti Blood Center account representative Garron Bowers. “This incredible support from the Tomah community makes a real difference for local patients and their families.”
The Thomson’s said they appreciate that their blood will help area hospitals, including Tomah Health. “It’s good that it goes all over. I think it’s a good idea and I think more people need to donate,” said Jessie.
Versiti Blood Center is the sole blood supplier to over sixty hospital systems in Wisconsin, including Tomah Health. Tomah Health and Versiti have scheduled their next drive Nov. 19 and 20 at Recreation Park in Tomah. It will be the last drive in 2025.