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Community Blood Center
Blind blood donor
inducted into CBC Hall of Fame
DAYTON, Ohio - As a blind orphan boy growing up in the dark nightmare
of the Marion County Children’s home, Larry Smith remembers asking God
“Why am I even here?” Giving blood to help others became one of
the many meaningful answers he has found in his lifetime. On
Tuesday, Dec. 8 he called it “a dream come true,” to be inducted into
the national Fresenius Kabi Donation Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony took place at the Dayton Community Blood Center
as Larry made an automated donation of double platelets for his 297th
lifetime blood donation. “I think this is wonderful,” he said.
“Boy, it’s almost unbelievable. Saving lives is something I
absolutely want to do.”
CBC’s nomination of Larry for the Hall of Fame included the account of
how he braved a winter storm on the day after Christmas in 2012 to make
his scheduled blood donation. It was a valuable donation because
the storm forced CBC to cancel all mobile blood drives and close all
Donor Centers that day.
“The snow storm story stood out to everyone,” said Fresenius Kabi
Account Executive Anthony Montemurro. “He told his friends if the
center is open I’m going to be there. Your dedication to blood
donations is an inspiration to us all and we are very happy to honor
you with this award.”
Larry was surrounded by friends, fellow donors and CBC staff members as
Montemurro presented him with an etched glass trophy cut in the shape
of a blood drop. Larry is among 12 inductees honored in the Donation
Hall of Fame 2016 donor calendar. A photo of Larry bundling up to
brave the weather after that 2012 donation appears with the month of
December.
Larry was born on July 4th, 1938. He has been blind since birth, and
was abandoned as an infant on the steps of the Children’s Home.
His life there was horrible. At the age of eight, in poor health
and with failing grades, he questioned if life was worth living.
A house mother he calls his “angel” came into his life and gave him the
love and support he needed to survive and thrive.
Larry was able to have long career as a Grandview Hospital dark room
technician. He ran marathons, competed in a blind bowling league,
and sings in his church choir. He’s been a blood donor for 30 years and
a platelet and plasma donor for nearly 20 years.
“Today he shines a light on the cause of blood donations. He
shines a light on the work we do here at Community Blood Center,” said
COO Jodi Minneman. “But most of all, he shines a light on
the human spirit. Truly great things can be accomplished by
people with will power, inner strength, and compassion. People
like Larry Smith.”
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