5 Valley men recognized for blood donations

MESA, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Giving back is truly special, but for these five men, to give the gift of more life is even sweeter.

"These five people have given blood over 2,100 times and because each donation provides enough transfusions for up to three patients, these five individuals have impacted about 6,300 lives in Arizona hospitals," said Sue Thew of Arizona Blood Services.

Also known as the "Fabulous Five" by making walk-ins to this Mesa blood center a part of their lifestyle, they have reached a milestone never achieved in the state of Arizona.

Today marks donation number 410 for donor Robert Emmelkemp, who says doing something so simple helps so many.

"With Veteran's Day just having passed, we know that veterans are willing to give their lives to save ours, so in this way I find that I can save a life without putting mine on the line, but i'm happy to do so," he said.

And it's donation number 510 for Steven Guinn who continues to donate selflessly after losing a friend and a bad accident, and watching his son overcome a brutal battle with cancer.

"There's always somebody else who needs help," he said. "I don't really think about how many times I've done it. It's just something that's easy to do."

The "Fabulous Five" make a difficult time of year a real season of giving.

Vitalant
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