The power of positive thinking and making a routine blood donation resulted in a trip for two to Alaska for a father and son.
James Finnegan of Hamilton needed a reality check after getting the news that he would be traveling to Alaska as winner of the Community Blood Center “Wild About Alaska Adventure for Two Summer Blood Drive” drawing. The news came as a shock — even though he had predicted it.
“Wow! I never won anything in my life,” he said. “Seriously, I told my son Colin ‘I’m going to give blood and win a trip to Alaska for you and me.’ ”
People who registered to give blood with Dayton-based CBC from May 2 to Sept. 3 were automatically entered in the drawing. Finnegan entered the drawing when he made his 48th lifetime donation on June 1 at the Fort Hamilton Hospital blood drive.
Andrew Keelor, CBC donor relations director, told Finnegan that what he was doing was changing people’s lives.
The reward of a dream vacation comes at a time when both the father and son are setting personal goals and taking on new challenges.
Colin Finnegan is the second youngest of James Finnegan’s seven children. He recently completed service in the U.S. Army and is now studying architecture at Miami University Hamilton. A standout football player in high school, Colin Finnegan plans to walk on at Miami next year.
James Finnegan spent 37 years as an educator, including 15 years teaching religion at Badin High School, but is now transitioning to a new career in trucking. A Butler County grant has covered the cost of his training.
James Finnegan has donated the equivalent of eight gallons of blood during his lifetime. As both an O-negative donor and a CMV-negative donor, his blood type is in constant demand, especially for young hospital patients. He knows it’s important to stay healthy so he can help others. He considers it simple maintenance, much like taking care of a truck engine.
“I think it’s just a wonderful thing to do,” he said. “It always makes me feel better physically. I understand engine parts and how important oil is, and blood is same way for the body. It’s like changing my oil, I feel better.”
Both Finnegans celebrated the Alaska trip by donating together during their Friday visit to the Dayton CBC. It was James’ 49th lifetime donation and Colin’s fourth. James’ donation was immediately designated for a pediatric patient.
“I’m O-negative, a universal donor,” he said. “So it’s nice getting a phone call, ‘three babies received your blood at this hospital.’ It’s a lift. That’s what life is all about.”
For more information about Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services, visit www.givingblood.org.
How to donate blood:
Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name.
Past Community Blood Center donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card.
Donors must be at least 16 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch and blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good physical health.
The Food and Drug Administration changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email canidonate@cbccts.org or call 1-800-388-GIVE.Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.
