Posted: 8/14/02

Jack Palmer testifies to the need

Cliff Buchan
News Editor

Until three months, Jack Palmer never thought too much about giving blood.

But that all changed this spring when Palmer discovered he had non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. Since learning of the diagnosis and undergoing treatment, Palmer has received 12 units of blood as the transfusions have been necessary to build back his blood.

After seeing the need first hand, Palmer and his wife, Jan, are speaking out on the need to become blood donors. They are encouraging the public to support todayís (Thursday) blood drive at American Legion Post 225 sponsored by the Forest Lake Lions Club. The American Red Cross event will take place from 1-7 p.m. at Post 225, 355 W. Broadway Ave.

ìWe have never done that,î Palmer said from the office of Reubís Tire Shop in Forest Lake. ìMy family has never given (blood).î

That will change this week for Jan who plans to donate. She is now actively recruiting friends to become blood donors.

ìItís something you donít do unless the awareness is there,î Palmer said.

He now knows first hand the importance of blood donation, thanks to those who have donated. Since his lymphoma was diagnosed, he has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy and will start a third Aug. 19.

His cancer left him weak and the disease was eating up the good blood cells. During a six-week period, he received 12 units at Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center in Wyoming.

ìThatís a lot,î Palmer said.

But he is getting stronger and his blood count is looking better. During an interview last week, Palmer said he felt better than he has in days. He knows the transfusions are why.

Palmer is a fixture in Forest Lakeís business community. He and partner Dick Stark have owned the tire shop for 31 years.

He is thankful to the many donors who have come out in the past and hopes will take his story to heart in deciding if they should be a donor. ìStuff like this comes out of the blue,î he said of his situation.

Donors are needed. The Red Cross has sent out an alert informing the public of blood shortages this summer.

Anyone is eligible to donate blood if they are over age 17, are in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and have not donated in the past 56 days.

To make an appointment for the blood drive, call 651-464-5664. Appointments are not needed, however, as walk-in donors on Aug. 15 are welcome. The process takes about one hour to complete.

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