📷 Image Credits: NDTV
A man from Long Island in the United States has set a remarkable record by donating over 110 litres of blood in the span of 49 years. Henry Bickoff, a 68-year-old eye care professional, started this noble deed in 1975. His selfless act has helped save the lives of 693 people, as reported by the New York Blood Center. Over the years, Bickoff’s contributions have amounted to the equivalent of 870 single-serve ice cream scoops, 310 cans of Coke, or nearly six-gallon office water cooler bottles.
Bickoff shared his motivation behind this consistent act of kindness, stating, ‘I’ve been doing it for a while. It’s something I’ve committed to, and it’s actually nice to get a little bit of recognition for it.’ His journey began during his college days when he made his first blood donation. Despite feeling dizzy after the initial experience due to lack of hydration, rest, and food, he remained undeterred in his resolve to continue donating.
The dedicated optometrist views his blood donation as his primary charitable work, considering it a form of multitasking to help others while pursuing his daily activities. With a B-negative blood type that is in high demand, Bickoff used to donate every 56 days in the past. As he has aged, he now spaces out his donations a bit more while still actively participating in this life-saving cause.
Andrea Cefarelli, the Senior Vice President of the New York Blood Center, highlighted the rarity of individuals like Bickoff, stating, ‘Less than half a percent of the donor base have donated 20 gallons or more, with most individuals donating only a few times in their lifetime.’ She emphasized the critical need for B-negative blood due to its limited availability, given that it constitutes only 2% of the population.
Despite his family limitations, with his daughter unable to donate due to a rare blood disease and his son lacking interest, Bickoff’s wife supports his noble cause. Moreover, Bickoff stands as a potential candidate for the Guinness World Record for the most whole-blood donations by a man. Having met the qualifying criteria of donating 231 units of blood, he expressed his intent to pursue this esteemed recognition. Bickoff’s unwavering dedication to saving lives through blood donations serves as an inspirational example for others worldwide.
