A Lifelong Commitment: Local Woman Celebrates 125 Blood Donations
Sabine Fuchs of Sarleinsbach has reached a remarkable milestone: 125 whole blood donations, a significant contribution that has touched the lives of countless people in need.
This generous act translates to approximately 60 liters of blood donated – equivalent to twelve times the total amount of blood in her own body. When asked about her motivation behind this extraordinary dedication, Fuchs reflects on her journey, revealing a mix of personal experiences and a steadfast commitment to helping others.
While blood donation wasn’t a priority in her younger years, Fuchs remembers that after moving to Sarleinsbach, it was a common practice within the community to donate whenever a blood drive was held locally.
However, a profound turning point came in
“We were waiting in the hospital after my mother had an accident. Unfortunately, it didn’t help her anymore, but the scene when a blood sample was brought to her every few minutes is burned into my memory,”
she recalls.
“I didn’t donate blood more often because of that, but how necessary blood is, I also realized there.”
The loss of her husband, Franz, in 2007, further solidified her resolve to help others through blood donation. Expanding her donation radius to encompass the entire Rohrbach district, Fuchs made it a point to donate as frequently as permitted. Even the restriction placed on donors over the age of 65, requiring the presence of a doctor, didn’t deter her. She diligently researched blood drives where a doctor would be onsite, ensuring she could continue her life-saving contributions.
To stay organized and informed, Fuchs utilizes a blood donation app to monitor donation dates and intervals.
“Blood donation is my contribution; I don’t do any other voluntary work, but I have enough blood,”
Fuchs says with a quiet conviction.
It is clear that blood donation has become more than just a charitable act for Fuchs; it’s a deeply personal commitment. She also advocates for others to join her in this noble endeavor.
She is quick to point out what she calls “legal age discrimination”, as she will turn 70 next year, at which point, according to Austrian blood donation law, she will no longer be eligible.
“The blood donation is my contribution, I don’t do any other voluntary work, but I have enough blood,”
the farmer’s wife adds.
“Nobody has to be afraid of it, you can do it too!” she encourages, emphasizing the ease and importance of the process.
Fuchs’ dedication to blood donation exemplifies the impact that one person can have on the lives of others. The Rohrbach district boasts a commendable five percent blood donation rate, placing it at the upper end of the scale.
To maintain this positive trend, the constant need for new donors is undeniable, ensuring a sustainable supply of this vital resource.
servesa valuable resource for potential donors, offering information about the blood donation process, local donation dates, and a free app that allows users to complete their health questionnaires in advance and even reserve donation appointments, minimizing wait times.
What inspired Sabine Fuchs to become a regular blood donor?
## A Lifelong Commitment: Interview with Sabine Fuchs
**Interviewer:** Sabine Fuchs, congratulations on reaching the extraordinary milestone of 125 whole blood donations! That’s a truly incredible commitment to helping others. What inspired you to dedicate yourself so generously to this cause?
**Sabine Fuchs:** Thank you. It wasn’t something I planned on initially. After moving to Sarleinsbach, I saw how common blood donation was in the community, and I started participating whenever there were drives nearby.
But it was actually a personal experience that really solidified my dedication. My mother was in a serious accident, and I remember vividly how crucial blood transfusions were to keeping her stable. Even though it wasn’t enough to save her life, seeing the constant need for blood left a deep impression on me [[1](https://americasblood.org/news/americas-blood-centers-and-adrp-launch-updated-education-program-featuring-digital-patient-scenarios-illustrating-blood-donations-lifesaving-impact/)].
**Interviewer:** That’s a powerful story. And then the loss of your husband in 2007 further strengthened your resolve?
**Sabine Fuchs:** Yes, absolutely. Experiencing such a personal loss made me realize how precious life is and how important it is to help those in need.
**Interviewer:** You’ve donated a remarkable 60 liters of blood, which is twelve times the amount in your own body. What pushed you to continue donating even after reaching the age of 65 and facing additional requirements?
**Sabine Fuchs:** I believe everyone has a responsibility to help others whenever they can. Even if there are challenges, the need for blood is constant, and knowing that my donation could save a life motivates me to keep going. It wasn’t easy finding drives that accommodated the doctor’s presence requirement, but I didn’t let it stop me.
**Interviewer:** Sabine, your dedication is truly inspiring. You’ve shown that even seemingly small actions, like donating blood, can have a profound impact. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
