Chemung County Legislator Rodney J. Strange knows how important a blood donor can be in times of need.
Back in 2009, Strange had his right kidney removed because it was diseased and not funtioning. Before, during and after surgery Strange received blood transfusions to keep him alive. On Friday, April 28, 2017 Strange began to fulfill a pledge he made back then to one day become a blood donor and give the gift of life that others gave to him.
“I was very lucky that in my time of need, others had donated blood to allow me to get into surgery, remove the dead kidney and recover completely. By donating blood now that I’m healthy and doing well, I can help those who need this blood in their time of need,” Strange said.
Strange’s father was a 10 gallon blood donor back in the 80’s when Legislator Strange was growing up and remembers his dad donating blood at blood banks several times a year. It is his hope to carry on his dad’s legacy of fulfilling this lifesaving need in our community and promoting blood donation as a way to give back to our fellow citizens by giving this gift of life.