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On Nov. 22, Hale, 20, became the youngest donor inducted into the Donation Hall of Fame.
Hale is a sophomore at Sinclair College who has received multiple honors at Fairmont High School and in the Special Olympics.
He was stunned by the pomp and circumstance surrounding his induction, where several tributes were given at his ceremony and a crystal trophy from Fresenius Kabi was presented.
Hale also will have his photo in the Class of 2019 Hall of Fame calendar, plus receive a letter of commendation from the Ohio Senate, and received a custom bicycle from the Community Blood Center (CBC).
“Blown away and amazed,” Hale said, regarding his induction. “I can’t believe it. It’s really one heck of an award. It’s amazing. I guess for my determination to donate blood and platelets since the age of 16. I graciously accept this award. I’m really honored by it. I don’t know what to say. It’s definitely really awesome. Thank you all so much!”
CBC nominated Hale for the Hall of Fame honor because of his irrepressible energy and enthusiasm for helping others. He was eager to begin donating blood when he turned 16 but struggled to pass screening. He refused to quit and is now one of CBC’s youngest platelet donors with 36 lifetime donations.
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“Theo’s goal is to reach 1,000 donations, and I believe Theo will make it,” said CBC Chief Operating Officer Jodi Minneman. “Theo is so committed to blood donations, when he wasn’t able to donate this summer because of his surgery, he came in and volunteered. He couldn’t donate but he still came in to give back.”
A special guest at Hale’s induction ceremony was his friend and mentor Glenn Stoops, who encouraged him to become a blood donor and an avid cyclist.
CBC presented a new bicycle to Hale, as he and Stoops are planning a bicycle tour of Colorado in 2021 to celebrate Stoops’ 80th birthday.
Hale becomes the sixth CBC donor named to the Blood Donation Hall of Fame and the fourth in the last five years. He follows Botkins donor and blood drive coordinator Susan Leugers (2017), CBC’s top donor Wendell Clark (2016), and donor Larry Smith (2015).
Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (you may have to weigh more, depending on your height), and be in good physical health.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email canidonate@cbccts.org or call 1(800)388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.
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