Devon Man Donates 500th Pint of Blood to Red Cross

On Thursday, June 12, war veteran and Paoli Hospital patient Paul Olson, 82, reached a milestone blood donation after recovering from heart surgery. Olson donated his 500th pint of blood to the American Red Cross Center.

Olson suffered from tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate caused by electricity in the heart beginning to short-circuit. Olson learned that due to his condition, he might not be able to reach his goal. He sought help from Lankenau Heart Institute cardiologist, Matthew Goldstein, M.D., who was able to perform a cardiac ablation to correct the problem. Olson was able to make a comeback. “His only goal was to be able to continue to help other people,” said Dr. Goldstein. 

Olson began donating blood at the age of 18 and it has now become routine for he and his wife, Andrea. Every other Sunday, the couple will drive from Devon into Philadelphia so Olson can donate his blood platelets. This two-hour process serves a meaningful purpose for Olson and those involved in receiving the platelets.

Cancer caused a great deal of loss of friends and loved ones in Olson’s early life. In experiencing those illnesses, he wanted to give back. Platelets are vital in cancer treatments and for those with rare blood diseases. “I encourage all my friends that it's a very worthwhile thing to do,” he said.

According to the Red Cross, there is a great need for this type of blood donation. One single platelet can provide enough platelets for a patient’s full therapeutic dose, and in some cases, even two or three doses.  Regular donors, such as Olson, aid in the supply. Dr. Goldstein was present among others to congratulate Olson on his great success.