Portland has an entire family of platelet donors.

George Brewer started donating platelets in 2003 and has made over 100 donations. George is also a triple product donor.

George’s sister, Joan Murray, was donating platelets in the early 90’s until she gave birth to her son Nate in 1999.

In August 2006, Joan and her husband Benjamin found out their son had a very low platelet count. Nate started receiving numerous platelet transfusions on a biweekly basis. In January 2007, Nate was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. He received a bone marrow transplant in February 2007. Nate’s last transfusion was in March 2007.

Joan is now donating platelets again. She is up to 33 donations as of this summer and is working on the next milestone of 50 donations. She has also recruited her husband to donate platelets. Benjamin’s first donation was this summer.

Donating has truly become a family affair. George and Joan can often be seen donating at the same time, while Benjamin is at home watching Nate.

Go Home to Maine