Blood donor of the month

Congratulations to the Children's blood donor of the month for February, Cliff Chase.

Chase began donating blood to Children's in 1994 after a family friend experienced a complicated pregnancy that required blood transfusions for both her and the baby. Ever since then, he began donating platelets — a two hour process — every two weeks. Chase has donated more than 44 gallons of blood and become a regular at the Blood Donor Center, making friends with nurses and whoever is donating next to him.

The baby who inspired him to first donate is now 13-years-old. "Seeing her reminds me why I do this — it's so easy!" he says.

If you're interested or would like more information on platelet and whole blood donation, call the Blood Donor Center at ext. 5-6677.

Happy anniversary!

Twenty years ago, this February, patients were first moved into the Main Building, which is now the Berthiaume Family Building. The new 10-story building allowed for 325 inpatients. Patients were moved from Farley and Bader, on floors 3 through 8, and in Hunnewell 3 over twelve hours. Above, senator Ted Kennedy and Boston mayor Raymond Flynn help cut the ribbon.