Blood Donation

For one transplant surgeon, donating blood isn't just a habit. It's personal. With a deep understanding of how vital blood products are to patient care at UChicago Medicine, John Fung, MD, PhD, Professor of Surgery and Co-Director of the UCM Transplant Institute, has found a powerful way to give back. He spent some time sharing what first inspired him and why donating at UCM means so much.

What first inspired you to donate blood and what keeps you coming back?

I started donating blood in college, during a freshman year blood drive. I've continued to donate, knowing that I'm helping people in need of blood products. As a transplant surgeon, I know that blood is critical for our patients and our service is one of the largest users of component blood products per capita at UCM - it's my way to share the burden.

How many pints of blood have you donated?

I was a medical student here at the University of Chicago from 1975 to 1982 and regularly donated at the Blood Donation Center (yes, it existed way back then). Including those years and since my return to UC in 2016, I've donated 42 times (including pheresis). In total, I've donated more than 100 units in my lifetime (113 to be exact).

Can you share a memorable experience while donating?

The most targeted donation was when I was a medical student rotating on John Ultmann's heme/one service. There was a young man with leukemia, with neutropenic fevers. Back then, there was no GCSF, so therapy was broad-spectrum antibiotics and leukopheresis. I donated for that purpose, he received my white cells and he eventually recovered.

Have you or a loved one ever received blood?

My 101-year-old mother recently received several units of red cells for treatment of anemia from a gastric ulcer caused by medication. Even though she lives in LA, I am grateful to those individuals who donated there.

What do you wish more people understood about blood donation at UCM?

Donating blood at UCM blood center is easy, convenient, helps our patients and reduces cost for the medical center. The staff at the blood center are courteous, professional and committed. It is a rare resource that we should appreciate more.

A simple act can turn into a powerful way to save lives. For Lindsay Forrey, LCSW, Clinical Manager, Comer Children's Child Advocacy and Protective Service, a first-time blood donation at the Blood Donation Center sparked a lasting commitment. So far, she's donated 22 pints of blood over the past few years. She spent some time sharing why she continues to donate regularly and what she thinks every colleague should know about donating blood right here at UCM.

What first inspired you to donate blood and what keeps you coming back?

I was first inspired by blood drive advertising. I saw enough signs and had a free hour and thought I should check it out. Once I did it one time and realized how easy it was, there didn't seem to be any reason why I wouldn't return every eight weeks.

Do you think about who might be receiving your donation?

I do often wonder where my blood will go after it leaves me and I love the idea that I might interact with someone who has received my blood without either of us knowing.

What do you wish more people understood about blood donation at UCM?

I wish people knew how easy it is to donate. It's less than an hour, right here in the DCAM and the staff in the Blood Donation Center are so friendly and supportive.

Before he left Pritzker School of Medicine and Chicago this spring for his residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, Marc Sleiman donated blood at the UChicago Medicine Blood Donation Center. It was his 16th pint, driven by his desire to give patients a chance to survive. He took a few moments to share his experiences.

What first inspired you to donate blood and what keeps you coming back?

As a medical student at UChicago, I was first inspired to donate blood during my Trauma Surgery rotation. Early on, I witnessed my first Massive Transfusion Protocol in the UCM trauma bay -we administered 24 units of blood products to save a patient's life! That moment deeply impacted me. I saw firsthand how vital blood donations are in emergency care, and I knew I wanted to be part of that lifesaving process. I keep donating because I've cared for patients who rely on blood to survive. Supporting them through donation is one small but powerful way I can continue to give back to my community.

Can you share a memorable experience you've had while donating?

Some of my favorite donation memories come from talking with the incredible staff. They're not only highly skilled, but also warm, welcoming and truly passionate about what they do. Over time, I've gotten to know them personally - even learning about their families and pets! That sense of community and shared purpose has been one of the most rewarding parts of the donation experience.

Who do you think about when donating?

I often think about the many patients I've cared for who needed blood products - people facing trauma, undergoing surgery, battling cancer or experiencing childbirth complications. When I donate, I picture them. It's humbling to know that a small act like giving blood could be the reason someone gets another chance.

What do you wish more people understood about blood donation at UCM?

Only about 3% of eligible donors give blood each year, yet every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood products. At UCM, what makes donating even more special is that your blood stays local. It's not shipped or sold elsewhere - it goes directly to the patients in the hospital floors above you. Your donation has a direct, tangible impact on someone's life right here in our community. That immediacy and personal connection make all the difference.