Give Blood to the Murphy 400 Fund

The Murphy 400 Fund keeps on growing!

On Sunday, May 18th, the Cosumnes Community Services District Fire Station #71 will partner with the Murphy 400 Fund for an Elk Grove community blood drive. Memorial Day weekend starts off the summer season, and the need for blood increases significantly during this time.

The blood drive will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fire Station #71, located at 8760 Elk Grove Blvd.

To give blood, you must be in generally good health, free from cold symptoms for at least 48 hours; be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent); and weigh at least 110 pounds. There is no upper age limit for donating blood. Prospective donors must bring a photo ID. The entire process takes about an hour.

MURPHY 400 FUND COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE DETAILS:

Sunday, May 18, 2008
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cosumnes CSD Fire Station #71
8760 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove

Donors will receive a free BloodSource t-shirt. No appointment necessary.

Giving blood saves lives – come be a hero for someone this Sunday!

During my wife’s two pregnancies, my sons were diagnosed with Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia. This is a condition where the gestating baby’s blood platelets have a specific antigen (or toxin) that the mother’s antibodies react to negatively, destroying the baby’s platelets.

Deficient platelet levels are a serious and potentially life-threatening situation, requiring both of my sons to undergo multiple platelet transfusions. These platelets, which a fairly rare platelet type among the general populace, were provided by the same anonymous donor through BloodSource. Soon after receiving the transfusions, my boys were in the clear. Today, Declan and Jack are healthy and active boys.

My wife Kathleen and I became regular blood donors, but when my 40th birthday was in sight, I decided to do something special. It became my goal to get friends, family and colleagues to donate 400 pints of blood between my 39th and 40th birthdays. To track this goal, BloodSource established the Murphy 400 Fund.

On May 22, 2007, Kathleen and I contributed pints #618 and #619 to the Murphy 400 Fund. We were so pleased with the result, we decided to keep the fund open. The fund has climbed to over 800 pints, and continues to grow.

Please donate blood. It's easy, it's safe, and it saves lives.

Question: What is a pint of blood worth?

*****
I made a wager and I lost. And it's a very good thing I did.

My good friend Robert Dugan didn't give blood. A self-proclaimed wuss, he would faint every time he tried. When he passed on supporting the Murphy 400 Fund, I let him off the hook. However, when he approached me about supporting his effort to raise money for childhood cancer research by shaving his head as part of the national St. Baldrick's Foundation childhood cancer fundraiser, I quickly put him back on that same hook.

"Robert," I said. "How can I support you if you won't donate for me?"

Robert professed he wanted to, but his body wouldn't let him.

"Tell you what, Robert. You donate a pint for me, and I'll raise money and shave my head with you." Knowing his aversion to needles, I figured this was a harmless wager.

Wrong.

Robert overcame his fears and donated -- twice.

Good to my word, I was joined by my son Jack, and we raised $4,305 for St. Baldrick's! Overall, our team raised over $20,000!

A good wager, if you ask me.

******
Jack giving his old man the finishing touch.

















Preview of the 2008 Murphy Christmas Card

















Dugan attempts to transfuse a pint o' Guiness back into his system to replace the pint of blood he gave the day before

Looking for a New Year’s resolution that you can actually keep? Resolve to donate blood! It’s safe, easy, takes about an hour, and saves lives.

Tim Murphy and John Wallace proudly announce the 2nd Annual Elk Grove Online Blood Drive benefiting the Murphy 400 Fund

Sunday, January 6, 2008
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Harbour Cove Shopping Center
2745 Elk Grove Blvd
Northeast Corner of Elk Grove Blvd and Harbour Point Drive

Free T-Shirt for all Donors! Win a trip for two to Napa or Lake Tahoe! Receive incentives offered by local Elk Grove merchants!

To schedule an appointment or for more information, call Kate at (916) 376-6039.

www.murphy400fund.blogspot.com

www.localcenters.com

BloodSource and Baskin-Robbins have partnered again this summer to thank donors. Through Aug. 31, everyone who donates blood at any BloodSource center or mobile drive will be thanked with a coupon for a free pint of ice cream from Baskin-Robbins.

During the summer months, blood donations tend to drop. Regular blood donors are busy with vacations and summertime activities. High school and college student donations decline because school is out for the summer. Couple the drop off in donations with the potentially increased need for blood due to vehicle and recreational accidents and community blood supplies become stressed.

BloodSource's long-standing relationship with Baskin-Robbins helps maintain a safe and plentiful blood supply over the summer, ensuring patients at community hospitals receive the blood they need.

To make an appointment or to find a mobile blood drive in your area, please call 866.822.5663.

The past year of the Murphy 400 Fund has been a great experience! My family and I are overwhelmed with the support we received from our friends, family and community in going after this goal. I don't want to say that I was surprised by all of the generosity and goodwill we experienced in this drive, but the help and support we got from so many people -- many without having to ask -- was simply fantastic.

Thanks everyone -- very, very much -- for your support.


Pint #619 - May 22, 2007

Tim Murphy and Family

My family and I would like to thank everyone who donated over the past year to the Murphy 400 Fund. Since Father's Day 2006 to May 22, 2007, 619 Pints were donated!

Thank you very much -- You all saved many lives!

Name and Number of Donations to the 400 Fund:

Emily A. -- 1
Lori A. -- 1
Gilbert A. -- 1
Frank A. -- 3
Evelia A. -- 1
Larry A. -- 3
Rhonda A. -- 1
Marina A. -- 4
Christine A. -- 1
Beryl A. -- 1
Mateo A. -- 1
Joann B. -- 1
Michael B. -- 1
Carolyn B. -- 1
Gary B. -- 1
Steven B. -- 1
Teresa B. -- 1
Paulino B. -- 1
Terry B. -- 1
William B. -- 1
Eileen B. -- 1
Susan B. -- 1
Mihran B. -- 1
Ann B. -- 3
Patricia B. -- 1
Richard B. -- 1
Bonnie B. -- 3
Kelly B.i-- 1
Mary B. -- 1
Frederick B. -- 4
Karla B. -- 5
Tina B. -- 2
Tiffany B. -- 1
Cory B. -- 1
Denise B. -- 3
Amy B. -- 3
Blair B. -- 1
Thomas B. -- 1
Diana C. -- 1
Erique C. -- 1
Frank C. -- 4
Deserie C. -- 1
Jennifer C. -- 2
Lisa C. -- 1
Alma C. -- 1
Roberta C. -- 1
Nadene C. -- 1
Geena C. -- 1
Carmen C. -- 1
David C. -- 1
Mai C. -- 1
Ron C. -- 1
Betsy C. -- 3
Brian C. -- 3
Eric C. -- 1
Kameron C. -- 1
Laura C. -- 1
William C. -- 1
Larry C. -- 1
Randolph C. -- 1
Whitney C. -- 1
Blade C. -- 1
Brittany C. -- 1
Lita C. -- 1
Jacqueline C. -- 1
Aaron C. -- 1
William C. -- 3
Tabin C. -- 1
Eva C. -- 1
Christopher C. -- 1
Michele C. -- 3
Kristine D. -- 1
Mary D. -- 1
Carol D. -- 2
Monica D. -- 1
Alan D. -- 1
Beth D. -- 1
Timothy D. -- 1
Curtis D. -- 1
Lee D. -- 1
Matthew D. -- 1
Dawn D. -- 5
David D. -- 1
Amanda D. -- 1
Janice D. -- 1
Fernando D. -- 1
Alfred D. -- 1
Amy D. -- 1
Bounthon D. -- 1
Lisa D. -- 2
Kristin D. -- 4
Nicholas D. -- 3
Linda D. -- 1
Denys D. -- 2
Constance D. -- 4
Robert D. -- 1
Melissa D. -- 2
Glen E. -- 1
Mary E. -- 2
Jack E. -- 1
William E. -- 1
Shawn E. -- 2
Matthew E. -- 1
Jaime E. -- 1
Amy E. -- 1
Jeremy E. -- 1
Jacob E. -- 1
Robert E. -- 3
Jeannine E. -- 1
Danyell E. -- 1
Bonnie E. -- 1
Carol P. Evans -- 1
Wayne E. -- 1
Nelly F. -- 1
Robert F. -- 5
Blanche F. -- 2
Nell F. -- 1
Leo F. -- 4
Juan F. -- 1
Gerald F. -- 2
Amy F. -- 1
Erin F. -- 1
Amy F. -- 3
Stephen F. -- 1
Patrick F. -- 1
Fonda F. -- 1
Kevin F. -- 1
Jedediah F. -- 1
Thomas F. -- 1
Deborah G. -- 1
Laurye G. -- 1
Darin G. -- 1
Jayne G. -- 1
Michael G. -- 3
Herbert G. -- 1
Mary G. -- 1
Juanita G. -- 3
Jeffrey G. -- 1
Teresa G. -- 2
Ryan G. -- 1
Jacklyn G. -- 2
Jeffrey G. -- 3
Gale G. -- 1
Christopher G. -- 1
Josefina G. -- 1
Lisa G. -- 1
Bonnie G. -- 1
Joanne G. -- 1
Tony G. -- 1
Jennifer G. -- 1
Jumal G. -- 1
Krista G. -- 2
Alton G. -- 1
Karen G. -- 1
Michael G. -- 1
John G. -- 3
Kayleigh G. -- 2
Jack H. -- 1
Lance H. -- 1
Andrew H. -- 1
Jasmine H. -- 1
Sharon H. -- 4
Michael H. -- 1
Susan H. -- 2
Lance H. -- 1
David H. -- 2
William H. -- 1
Oscar H. -- 1
Carole H. -- 1
Mark H. -- 1
Tim H. -- 5
Tiffany H. -- 1
Leonard H. -- 1
Susan H. -- 1
Janice H. -- 2
Dana H. -- 1
Jaclyn H. -- 1
Jonathan H. -- 1
Patrick H. -- 3
Lillia H. -- 4
Kelly H. -- 1
Carolyn I. -- 4
John I. -- 2
Melody J. -- 1
Monica J. -- 1
Rebecca J. -- 2
Caryn J. -- 2
Shana J. -- 1
Derek K. -- 2
Joseph K. -- 1
Marcus K. -- 1
Mary K. -- 1
Carol K. -- 1
Bryan K. -- 2
Therese K. -- 1
Kristen K. -- 4
Matthew K. -- 1
Debra K. -- 1
Nobuo K. -- 3
Ryan L. -- 1
David L. -- 2
Cheryl L. -- 3
William L. -- 1
Kenneth L. -- 1
Jacqueline L. -- 1
Marvin L. -- 1
Jennifer L. -- 2
Carin L. -- 1
Howard L. -- 1
Jaime L. -- 1
Janice L. -- 1
Randall L. -- 1
Celina L. -- 1
Fong L. -- 1
Araceli L. -- 1
Randy L. -- 1
Kristal L. -- 4
Elaine L. -- 1
Peter L. -- 2
Justin L. -- 1
Grant L. -- 4
Sharon L. -- 1
Frank M. -- 1
Natasha M. -- 1
Cheryl M. -- 1
John M. -- 1
Michael M. -- 1
Kelly M. -- 1
Martha M. -- 1
Rudolph M. -- 1
Johanna M. -- 3
Pedro M. -- 1
Jennifer M. -- 1
Deborah M. -- 3
Christopher M. -- 1
Elizabeth M. -- 1
Steven M. -- 1
Conrade M. -- 1
Judith M. -- 1
Grady M. -- 1
Mark M. -- 2
Malorie M. -- 1
Brandon M. -- 1
Brian M. -- 1
Norma S. -- 2
Donna M. -- 1
Alejandro M. -- 1
Ronald M. -- 1
Charles M. -- 1
Jacquelyn M. -- 1
Monica M. -- 1
Charlotte M. -- 1
Sisi M. -- 1
Hugh M. -- 1
Joseph M. -- 1
Chad M. -- 1
George M. -- 2
Karen M. -- 1
Kathleen M. -- 4
Sarah M. -- 1
Thomas M. -- 1
Timothy M. -- 4
James M. -- 1
Crystal N. -- 1
Jim N. -- 1
Nathan N. -- 1
Vai N. -- 1
Richard N. -- 2
Eric N. -- 1
Patricia N. -- 1
Arthur N. -- 1
Mark O. -- 1
Helga O. -- 1
Eric O. -- 1
Michael P. -- 1
Molly P. -- 3
Andrea P. -- 1
Shyla P. -- 1
Yu P. -- 2
Donald P. -- 1
Susan P. -- 1
Ana P. -- 2
Bethany P. -- 1
Steven P. -- 4
Alice P. -- 1
Lynise P. -- 1
Tammy P. -- 1
Jeffrey P. -- 3
Mark P. -- 1
James P. -- 4
Claudia P. -- 1
John P. -- 3
Linda P. -- 2
Dustin P. -- 1
Anamaria P. -- 1
Cynthia P. -- 1
Jill R. -- 2
Kevin R. -- 4
Michael R. -- 1
Patrick R. -- 1
Lisa R. -- 1
Kristin R. -- 1
Macdaly R. -- 1
Michael R. -- 1
Brittany R. -- 1
Genea R. -- 2
Ann R. -- 5
Kristie R. -- 2
Jessica R. -- 1
Cheryl R. -- 1
Marianne R. -- 1
Gail R. -- 1
David R. -- 1
John R. -- 1
Kenneth R. -- 1
Trisha R. -- 1
Deborah S. -- 3
Nai S. -- 1
Nai S. -- 1
David S. -- 1
Leonore S. -- 1
Joseph S. -- 1
Jonathan S. -- 1
Susanna S. -- 1
Jon S. -- 1
Nancy S. -- 1
Jessica S. -- 5
Diana S. -- 1
Pamela S. -- 1
Michael S. -- 1
Michael S. -- 1
Yvette S. -- 1
Jordan S. -- 1
Virginia S. -- 3
Steven S. -- 3
Michelle S. -- 5
Andrew S. -- 1
Edward S. -- 3
Huston S. -- 5
Stephen S. -- 4
Warren S. -- 2
Sharon S. -- 2
William S. -- 2
Patricia S. -- 1
Janis S. -- 2
Phillip S. -- 1
Connie S. -- 1
Katherine S. -- 1
Cathy S. -- 1
Nina S. -- 1
Kristina S. -- 1
Timothy S. -- 1
John S. -- 1
Jessica S. -- 1
Nelda S. -- 2
Timothy S. -- 1
Kirk T. -- 1
Lynne T. -- 1
Amy T. -- 3
Carol T. -- 1
Stephen T. -- 1
Sia T. -- 1
Brock T. -- 1
Christina T. -- 1
Charles T. -- 1
Gayle T. -- 1
Timothy T. -- 1
Jody T. -- 1
Tracy T. -- 1
Amy T. -- 2
Angelina T. -- 2
Michael T. -- 1
Leland T. -- 1
Christine T. -- 1
Eric T. -- 1
Alejandro V. -- 1
April V. -- 1
Jeffrey V. -- 1
Kimberly V. -- 1
Sandy V. -- 1
Karsten V. -- 1
Stacie V. -- 2
John V. -- 1
Ann V. -- 2
Brian V. -- 4
Kris V. -- 1
Erin V. -- 1
John W. -- 3
Eric W. -- 3
Benjamin W. -- 3
Denise W. -- 1
Robert W. -- 1
Theresa W. -- 4
Lauren W. -- 1
Richard W. -- 1
Calvin W. -- 1
Ethan W. -- 3
Brian W. -- 1
Mary W. -- 1
Jennifer W. -- 2
Jacqui W. -- 5
Jim W. -- 1
Debbie X. -- 1
Fong X. -- 1
David Y. -- 1
Henry Y. -- 1
Edward Y. -- 1
Candace Y. -- 1
Loretta Y. -- 1


Last names removed for confidentiality

Today marks the final day of the Murphy 400 Fund blood drive. At the end of the day yesterday, May 21st, the 400 fund stood at 608 pints. Donations that came in yesterday and today are being entered by BloodSource tonight, so I should have the final totals sometime tomorrow. (My guess – we’ll come out with 613 pints total).

Hopefully, all donors will continue to donate regularly. The need for blood is always great, and just as with my family, there are thousands of success stories out there. Here’s one I learned today that puts it into great perspective –

My wife Kathleen and I donated blood today to “send off” the 400 drive. We were talking with some of the friends we have made in the BloodSource organization, and we were told the story of a young mother of three who needed a bone marrow transplant. As you know, finding a match is a painstaking task, and can take a long time. While this young mother waited, she required blood transfusions. Many transfusions. A whole LOT of transfusions. She received 47 gallons of blood to keep her alive while she waited for her bone marrow match. That amounts to 376 pints – almost the original goal of the 400 fund.

That young mother finally found her match, and is doing well today. But it took hundreds of people in this community to get her to remission, otherwise she would have died.

Blood cannot be synthesized. It has a finite shelf life. Like any precious natural resource, it must be harvested in order to use it. You never know when you may have the need – and if you do have the need, you don’t want the cupboard to be bare. This is why people MUST continue to donate blood, and why I cannot close out the 400 fund.

The Murphy 400 Fund has made too much progress to be a one-time shot, so my family has decided to keep the fund open. We decided the month of May will be the annual month to solicit blood donations to the 400 fund, with plans to have a big community drive on the third Sunday in May. A structure to do this is in the back of my head, and I may call on a few people to help me see this through to fruition. I hope I can count on all of you to keep the Murphy 400 Army of Donors growing! Spread the word and keep it alive. For now, you can get info on the 400 fund here at http://murphy400fund.blogspot.com

I have many people to thank. First and foremost, everyone listed on this site who donated -- thank you for your commitment to our community. All the first time donors who gave to this fund -- I hope you will continue to give blood! Thanks to the folks at BloodSource: Leslie, Dawn, Kristy, Debbie, Kendra, Melissa and all of the staff that helped me make this goal a reality. John Wallace and Jeff Vail for a great inaugural blood drive for the Elk Grove community in December -- superheroes both! Principal Lynne Tafoya and her team at Hiram Johnson High School for their drive that got me over my goal, and helped to make 600 pints a possibility. And last but not least, my wonderful wife Kathleen and my sons who were so excited for this effort from day one.

So, to close -- Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who contributed to the Murphy 400 Fund. Each and every one of you saved lives with your donation, so please keep contributing! And when you do, I hope you will continue to designate the Murphy 400 Fund as your donor club.

Yes, you do save lives.

With kind regards from my whole family –
Tim Murphy

. . . and EIGHT pints needed to get to 600 total!

Have you donated yet? If not, please make an appointment today!

Today, the Murphy 400 Fund is in the final stretch. With 7 days to go, more than 560 pints of blood have been donated, far exceeding my goal of 400 pints donated by the time I reach my 40^th birthday on May 22^nd. After reaching my goal of 400 pints this past February, my wife Kathleen and I thought that 600 pints could be a possibility.

There is still time to visit BloodSource and donate your pint towards the Murphy 400 Fund. Please visit BloodSource on line, or call 866-82-BLOOD to set up an appointment. Donating is safe and easy, and takes about an hour. Not to mention, you may save someone’s life in the process.

Thanks to everyone for your good wishes and support of my goal!

Regards –

Tim

Friends -

With less than a month to go, I estimate the Murphy 400 Fund stands around 560 pints. Now is the crunch time -- in order to reach 600 pints, I hope if you are healthy and eligible to give blood, that you will contact BloodSource today and set up an appointment to donate.

Kathleen and I are discussing ways to keep the momentum and awareness for donating blood going after May 22nd. The Murphy 400 Fund will remain as an established blood fund from here on out, so we will be able to track our success -- and in saying "our success," I certainly mean that everyone who has donated or invested any time or effort in recruitment of donors towards my goal, this is a success to be shared by all!

Thanks!
Tim, Kathleen, Declan and Jack Murphy

Blood drive spurts past goal, need for donors still critical
Residents call Murphy heart of the city

By Shannon Savage
Citizen Staff Writer

As his 40th birthday approaches Elk Grove Planning Commissioner Tim Murphy isn’t looking for just the normal cake and ice cream celebration.

Murphy instead decided to give something back to the community by starting the Murphy 400 Fund blood drive.

“BloodSource is an organization that we’ve been close to for the last couple of years,” Murphy said. “So I decided that I would try (a blood drive) to raise the awareness for blood donation.”

Last year when his wife asked him what he wanted to do for his fortieth birthday Murphy remembered an idea one of his friends had.

“Ten years ago one of my good friends from college turned 30 and he threw a big party but instead of people bringing presents he wanted donations to be given to the Sacramento Food Bank,” Murphy said. “I thought that was a nice way to recognize a milestone in your life.”

The idea for a blood drive was not just created out of thin air though.

When Murphy’s sons Declan, 10, and Jack, 8, were born they were diagnosed with Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia. This condition is when the baby’s blood platelets contain a toxin that the mother’s antibodies react to negatively, in essence destroying the baby’s platelets, Murphy said.

The blood platelets, which are about a one in 1,000 occurrence, Murphy’s boys received were from an anonymous donor through BloodSource.

For years Murphy wondered how he could repay such a gift.

He finally came up with an idea.

Murphy decided to set a goal to collect 400 pints of blood before his May 2007 birthday.

“It was challenging to get but (a goal) that I thought that I could do,” Murphy said. “When I sent out an initial e-mail saying this is what I wanted to do I got a really tremendous response.”

Two months before his birthday deadline, Murphy has actually overshot his goal of 400 pints of blood donated to BloodSource in just nine months.

“I didn’t just reach 400 I completely shattered through that wall,” Murphy said.

Students at Hiram W. Johnson High School in Sacramento stepped up to the plate and donated over 80 pints of blood recently.

“Thanks to the students and faculty at Hiram Johnson that donated I am now at 471 pints,” Murphy said.

Many residents of Elk Grove came out to help the cause throughout the months leading up to Murphy’s May deadline as well.

“I’ve been a blood donor before,” said Elk Grove City Council Member Pat Hume. “It’s just a way for someone to save a life. It’s a fast and easy way to make a difference.”

Hume, who donated three pints of blood to the Murphy 400 Fund, was thrilled when he heard about Murphy exceeding his goal.

“I think that’s fantastic,” Hume said. “He not only met his goal but he met it so far in advance of the target date of his birthday.”

Other Elk Grove blood donors were also overjoyed at the news.

“It’s great,” said John Wallace, owner of Local Centers in Elk Grove. “Obviously it was a real milestone for us to help Tim reach his goal. I think he would have reached it by May but we got it in February.”

Wallace in partnership with BloodSource threw a community blood drive party in December to help get Murphy to his goal.
“We provided the space (and) T-shirts,” Wallace said. “I thought it would be a really nice event.”

The event raised 100 pints of blood.

“It was just really gratifying,” said Wallace, who donated twice to the fund.

As for Murphy, Wallace said he was a good guy.

“I think he does a lot for Elk Grove,” Wallace said. “This is a big event for Tim and his family. It couldn’t have been a better guy.”

Other residents agreed with Wallace’s comments.

“I think it’s a noble cause and (Murphy) should be commended by the entire community for doing what he’s doing,” said Leo Fassler, Elk Grove resident who is planning to donate a third time to the fund.

Although the goal has been reached, Murphy said there was no way he would stop the blood drive.

“I’m hopeful that people will continue to donate based on the activities that I’ve been doing,” Murphy said. “I’ve told friends, ‘hey just because I’m going to get to 400,’ I was confident of that, ‘doesn’t mean I’m going to let folks off the hook.’ So I’m going to twist their arms and encourage them to go donate every eight weeks.”

Receiving repeat donations is the main goal of any group like BloodSource. If the anonymous donor who helped Murphy’s sons hadn’t donated more then once, BloodSource may have never found a match.

“For me I’m giving back,” Murphy said. “Somebody saved the lives of my kids and I’ll never know who this one donor is. The best way I can say thank you is trying to return the favor for somebody else.”

GOAL MET!!!

I received the official news from BloodSource yesterday, Valentine's Day. Thanks to a blood drive at Hiram Johnson High School hosted for the Murphy 400 Fund by Principal Lynne Tafoya, 81 pints of blood were collected, bringing the fund balance over 400 pints. In fact, the fund today stands at 481 pints.

However, this news has only given me more reason to continue pushing for more blood donations by May 22nd. 500 pints is in sight -- perhaps 600 by May?

The Murphy 400 Fund will continue after my 40th birthday has come and gone -- in fact, thanks to the word that has spread to the community about the fund, more and more people unknown to me are donating towards my goal. According to the blood fund records, the number of cumulative blood donations given by donors to the Murphy 400 Fund exceeds 6,000 pints.

Thank you all to donors who donated to the Murphy 400 Fund since January 29th (Which includes a fantastic 76 first-time blood donors!)

Donating blood is good for others, but now it may also prove healthy for you.

Researchers say they may have found a link between blood donation and a healthy circulatory system. They studied patients between the ages of forty-three and sixty-eight who had blood drawn every six months to reduce iron levels.

Those people had fewer non-fatal heart attacks and strokes than those who did not give blood. Researchers say that people should not try to donate blood just to lower their iron levels.

They also say that reductions in iron levels can be achieved through dietary restrictions or drug treatment.

The Interview Process





Giving Blood

Thanks very much to my Family, Friends and Neighbors for donating yesterday!

Christine Ault
Mike Baker
Mihran Berejikian
Patti Bisharat
Kelly Borelli
Tom Butler
Alma Callan
Dawn Deason
Denys Dorr*
Pat Foy
Juanita Garcia*
Terry Gau*
Tony Goularte
Karen Gruber
Michael Gutierrez
Susan Harris Brown
Lance Hastings
Carolyn Immeker*
Cheryl Marcell
John Marcell
Michael Marchant
Hugh Morrison
Tom Murphy
James Myers
Jim Neach
Nate Nelson
Mark Peterson
Jill Ralph*
Kevin Ralph*
Marianne Roselli
Michael Silva
Steve Slakey*
Patricia Stackpole
John Stralen
Brock Thayer
Gayle Thomas
Tim Thomas
Eric Trujillo
Karsten Vardas
John Vick

* Repeat donor to the Murphy 400 Fund

The Murphy 400 Fund added about 40 pints today, as my family hosted an at-home blood drive. The house was full of family, friends and neighbors who come out today to donate blood. BloodSource provided two blood mobiles for the drive, and we were surprised by a visit from Channel 10, who came and shot a segment that aired on the 5:00 newscast tonight.


My Dad, Tom Murphy


Tom Butler, Principal of Declan & Jack's school


Mark "Crybaby" Peterson


Carolyn Immeker gives her 4th donation to the 400 Fund!


Declan and Zach in the Bounce House


Kelly Borelli donated her first pint -- we had a total of 11 first-time donors!

Other photos from the day can be viewed here.
Thank you everyone for coming out and bringing your families -- it was a great day!
Tim, Kathleen, Declan & Jack

www.news10.net

Elk Grove Man Tries to Donate 400 Pints of Blood by 40th Birthday



An Elk Grove man is trying to help the community by getting friends and family to donate 400 pints of blood before his 40th birthday.

Tim Murphy started the Murphy 400 to give back to his community. He decided to help BloodSource because it helped him in his life.

It was about 10 years ago when his son was diagnosed with Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia shortly after he was born. It is a condition in which the baby’s blood platelets have a specific antigen or toxin, and the mother’s antibodies react negatively, destroying the baby’s platelets. Declan required multiple platelet transfusions after he was born but with them, he was in the clear.

The situation was worse for Murphy's second son, Jack, since the risks posed by NAT increase exponentially. But with the two in utero platelet transfusions Jack was born safely.

Declan and Jack both received the specific platelets they needed from BloodSource provided by the same donor both times. So now Murphy wants to give something back to BloodSource.

By the time he turns 40 on May 22 he wants to get friends, family and colleagues to donate 400 pints of blood. To track his goal, BloodSource established the Murphy 400 Fund.

As of January 25 he has collected 301 pints of blood. Anyone who would like find out more and how to donate to the cause can go to the Murphy 400 Fund Web site.

Copyright 2007 News10/KXTV All Rights Reserved.

Thanks to Barbara Beal Lopez and Brightfarm Productions for generously donating their time and services in producing this promotional video postcard.

Throughout the month of January, BloodSource will give you a coupon for a free pint of Baskin Robbins Ice Cream when you donate a pint of blood.

The need for blood following the holidays is especially great. Blood donors are needed now – especially those with type O blood. Hospitals throughout Northern and Central California are doing their work with limited blood supplies at this time. Trauma centers and emergency rooms are swamped and asking for more blood than is readily available.

BloodSource's Hospital Services department is experiencing a flurry of activity. The ability to meet patient immediate patient needs is difficult, as blood is not available to the extent needed.

The needs are immediate and diverse:

• A nine year old girl with leukemia needs blood to keep her alive as she awaits a bone marrow transplant
  
• A member of the State Auditors Office needs blood as she fights for her life due to blood cancer
  
• A premature baby needs type O negative transfusions
  
• Trauma centers and emergency rooms are busy with people who need blood transfusions to survive.
  

Please contact BloodSource today to make your appointment.

The Murphy 400 Fund received 100 pints of blood in the Elk Grove Online blood drive this past Saturday. Thanks to the efforts of John Wallace of LocalCenters and Jeff Vail of Elk Grove Online, we had an excellent turnout, and we hit our goal on the mark.

It was not without a few difficulties – 13 people were turned away for various reasons, and a number of people who had pledged to donate were waylaid with colds, and unable to donate. Elk Grove Online members can still donate and receive the limited-edition Murphy 400 Fund t-shirt and the incentive passport, offering special deals from Original Pete's, the Black Horse Pub, Lyla's Mexican Grill, Port City Java, Table 260, Postal Central, and Sports Cuts.

kindrlindr gives her first blood donation ever.

EGDad is glad to be down a pint


Elk Grove Councilman Pat Hume gives his 3rd pint to the fund


JGuy donated with his daughter Kayleigh


Whimfarm with LocalCenters after donating her pint.

sacbee.com

Center to aid blood drive

Businesses at the Harbour Palms Center, 2471 Elk Grove Blvd., will participate in the Murphy 400 Fund Community Blood Drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9.

The Black Horse, Original Pete's of Elk Grove, SportsCuts, Lyla's Mexican Grill, Port City Java, Postal Central and Table 260 will offer free and discounted food and services to everyone who gives a pint of blood at the bloodmobile parked in the parking lot.

The community blood drive was set up by Elk Grove Planning Commission member Tim Murphy to meet his goal of 400 blood donations by his 40th birthday. He started the year-long blood drive as a way to say thanks for the blood transfusions that saved his sons Declan, 9, and Jack, 8.

Donors must be healthy, at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent) and weigh 110 pounds or more. Photo identification is required. Child care will be available.

Appointments are not necessary.

For more information, call (800) 995-4420, ext. 11009.

John Wallace's blood drive for the Murphy 400 Fund quickly hit the pledge level for 100 donors, and continues to climb.

With the Murphy 400 Fund standing at 153 pints donated, John and I have agreed to shoot for a higher goal for the EGO Blood Drive on December 9th, with the goal of adding another 47 pints, getting the Murphy 400 Fund to 300 pints.

If you haven't registered yet, visit the EGO information page here (free site registration required)

I hope your Thanksgiving reminds everyone of what we all have to be thankful for. Not only am I thankful for the health of my two boys – I’m thankful for the good people that live in my community, and for those who are helping me meet my goals for the Murphy 400 Fund by helping with an extraordinary event.

On December 9th, BloodSource and Local Centers are holding a major blood drive for members of Elk Grove Online (EGO) to benefit the Murphy 400 Fund. The Blood Mobiles will be at the Northeast corner of Elk Grove Boulevard and Harbor Point Drive from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Organized and sponsored by John Wallace of Local Centers, donors will receive a limited-edition blood drive t-shirt and an incentive passport good for freebies and specials offered by Elk Grove-area merchants. The passport includes:

• Free pint glass from the Black Horse Pub and Grill
• Two-for-one dinner from Lyla’s Mexican Grill
• Two-for-one from Port City Java
• Two-for-one from Sports Cuts (Thanks John Bovee!)
• $5 coupon from Postal Central
• A free personal pizza from Original Pete’s
• Free gift card from Table 260 with a lunch or dinner purchase

To date, over 85 EGO members have pledged to donate blood! Thank you to everyone who has pledged to participate, and a special thank you to John Wallace for his generosity and vision for a great blood drive, all of the merchants who have donated to the incentive passport and Jeff Vail of EGO for his technical and digital support!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

TM

Lynne Tafoya, principal at Hiram Johnson (and all-around terrific lady), is hosting a blood drive for the Murphy 400 Fund in February. Lynne is celebrating her 50th birthday that month, and she is shooting for 50 people of her friends and family to join her students in donating to the Murphy 400 Fund!

John Wallace (LocalCenters on Elk Grove Online) has generously committed to making the Murphy 400 Fund his holiday cause in Elk Grove. He is rounding up merchants and restaurants to donate incentives for a blood drive in early December in Elk Grove at his retail complex at Harbor Point and Elk Grove Boulevard. The goal -- 100 pints!

I can't thank John enough for his generosity and kindness. He is a wonderful human being.

John - thank you!

Thanks to the efforts of Rotarian Glen Easter, the Murphy 400 Fund benefitted from donations today made by several members of the Rancho Cordova Rotary Club. Thanks also to John Chapman, the self-proclaimed Grand Exalted High Poobah Blood Donations, Rancho Cordova Rotary.

Diana Lambert, who covers Elk Grove issues for the Sacramento Bee, gave the Murphy 400 Fund a great write-up in today's paper --

Diana Lambert: Planning commissioner's birthday plan: Repaying blood bank
By Diana Lambert - Bee Columnist

Published 12:00 am PDT Sunday, September 10, 2006
Story appeared in ELK GROVE LAGUNA section, Page N1

Give him a birthday pint: Elk Grove Planning Commissioner Tim Murphy has big plans for his 40th birthday. He wants to help BloodSource collect 400 pints of blood before his birthday next May. He figures he owes them. After all, it was BloodSource, a doctor and an anonymous donor that saved the lives of his sons. The boys were born with a blood condition that required transfusions. Declan, now 9, had a transfusion after birth, while Jack, now 7, had two transfusions in utero and one after his birth. The donor was the same person -- a regular BloodSource donor. "When I turned 39, (my wife) Kathleen asked me what I wanted to do for my 40th birthday," says Tim. He decided to start the Murphy 400 Fund. So, on Father's Day, he sent an e-mail to friends and colleagues asking for their help.

He also set up a Web site -- murphy400fund.blogspot.com. Since then, the fund has collected 40 pints of blood, with numerous promises of blood drives and individual donations. "I think I'm going to blow past this 400-pint mark by May, when the deadline rolls around," said Tim, who donates blood every eight weeks. To help, go to any BloodSource and tell them you want to donate to the Murphy 400 Fund. ...

My classmate from Leadership Sacramento (Class of 2001), Rachelle Burton, arranged a blood drive for the Murphy 400 Fund at PRIDE Industries last week. Thanks to all who donated!

The City of Elk Grove is hosting a blood drive for city staff for the 400 Fund on Tuesday, August 8th. If you're able to donate next week, contact Teresa Evans at (916) 478-2281 to see if any appointments are available. Otherwise, you can contact BloodSource at (916) 456-1500 to make an appointment at the Elk Grove BloodSource branch location.

Metro Chamber July 2006 One-Voice

The Sacramento Metro Chamber has reached out to Chamber leadership to seek blood donations for the Murphy 400 Fund. The story can be found in the Community Opportunities sidebar.

Blood donors came out in force Friday at the annual blood drive sponsored by News10, BloodSource and the Delta Blood Bank. By day's end, donors gave 2,376 pints of blood, exceeding this year's goal of 2,006 pints and last year's record 2,274.

Summer is typically a time of critical shortage in the blood supply because there are fewer regular donors available and more need for blood products because of accidents.

BloodSource says they are thrilled with the community's response and that it is never to late to make an appointment to donate. To learn more about donating blood, click on the link below.

Kathleen, Declan, Jack and I appeared this morning on Sacramento & Co., Channel 10's morning program as part of Channel 10's Blood Donor Day.

Kristin Simoes interviewed all of us on our story -- how Declan and Jack needed platelets and how we got them from an anonymous donor; the creation of the Murphy 400 Fund for my 40th birthday; the overall importance of being a blood donor. Declan proved himself to be the next great communicator -- he even speaks in sound bites! Kathleen talked about how you never think you'll need blood or blood products, but when you do, it underscores the importance of donating.

Our friend Dan Elliott greeted us at the station, and told us he spoke of the Murphy 400 Fund during the morning telecast. He invited me back later on this Fall to present an update on how well the Fund is doing.

I hope Channel 10 hits the goal of 2006 pints -- they were on track when we left, having already passed the 10% mark by 9:00 AM.

• be in generally good health, free from cold or flu symptoms for at least 48 hours before giving blood.
• be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent) (no upper age limit).
• weigh at least 110 pounds.
• bring photo identification or BloodSource donor card.

Feli Ortega, a fellow parishoner from Good Shepherd in Elk Grove, has made an appointment to donate, and is looking into hosting a blood drive at her place of work!

Wow. I mean WOW! I just got home, jumped on my email, and found this in my inbox:

Hi, Tim – sorry for only just now getting back to you – Nancy and I went to Scandinavia and I was gone when you sent this.

Just before leaving, I made a blood donation to the BloodSource and am a regular donor pretty much. The only bad part is that I’m already signed up to give blood on behalf of our Rotary Club, which is always duking it out with Pam’s club. We’ve also started Teichert blood drives for that group. However, I will make a personal $1.00 donation to the BloodSource for every pint your friends generate up to $400 by your birthday next year. Let me know the result when the time comes.

Your friend,
Fred

I shouldn't be surprised at the generosity of my friends in my pursuit, but sometimes I just am. . . And it’s a great feeling.

Here is a list of the wonderful friends and colleagues who have pledged their blood to the Murphy 400 Fund. I can't thank you enough for your generosity and support!

Aldolfo Mercado

Alma Callan

Art Flores

Barbara Beal-Lopez

Becky Wood

Ben Webster

Betty & Steve May

Bill Mueller

Bill Romanelli

Bonnie Gore

Bruce Houdesheldt

Carmel & Steffan Brown

Carol Dahmen

Carolyn Ballou

Carolyn Immeker

Caryn Jones

Catherine Curran

Cheryl Creson

Dan Francisco

Darcy Goulart

Darin Gale

Darrell Roberts

Denys Dorr

Doug Flores

Elizabeth Zacharias

Frank Almas

Frank Ford

Jan Stohr

Jim Gillum

Joe Wilson

John Allard

John Hodgson

Jon Hobbs

Jon Scriven

Juanita Garcia

Kate Renwick-Espinosa

Katie Eastham

Kurt Vanderbrink

Larry Clark

Leo Fassler

Leslie Botos

Lisa Nava

Marcie Ellis

Mark Iorns

Mary & Craig Farrell

Mary Rosas

Matt Boyer

Michelle Dumnich

Michelle Smira (Donated within a week of my request -- thanks Michelle!)

Mike Arnold

Mike Gallagher

Paul & Maureen Smith

Paul Junker

Presley Sarette

Rachel & Brett Michelin

Rachele Burton

Rachelle Okmin (San Ramon, California)

Rob White

Roxanne Woods

Steve Flint

Steve Pedretti

Steve Slakey

Susan Patterson

Teresa Stanley

Teri Munger

Terry & Dave Gau

The Henry Family (Springfield, Massachusetts)

The O’Hara Family

Theresa Wells

Tony Clark

Warren Smith

I got an email today from Lynne Tafoya, Principal at Hiram Johnson High School. She wants to host a blood drive for her school later on this fall. Great potential to expose the kids to the importance of donating blood.

Dawn Deason and Leslie Botos tell me that it takes three times for a person to donate to get them into the habit. I hope we can get the kids at HJHS in a regular blood donation pattern this fall.

Donate Blood. Giving blood is safe, easy, and it takes about an hour.

Donate Marrow. Every year, thousands of adults and children need marrow transplants - a procedure which may be their only chance for survival. Although some patients have a genetically matched family member who can donate, about 70% do not.

Host a Blood Drive. At least half of the blood that BloodSource supplies to patients throughout Northern and Central California comes from mobile blood drives.

During my wife’s two pregnancies, my sons were diagnosed with Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia. This is a condition where the gestating baby’s blood platelets have a specific antigen (or toxin) that the mother’s antibodies react to negatively, destroying the baby’s platelets.

Deficient platelet levels are a serious and potentially life-threatening situation, requiring both of my sons to undergo multiple platelet transfusions. These platelets, which a fairly rare platelet type among the general populace, were provided by the same anonymous donor through BloodSource. Soon after receiving the transfusions, my boys were in the clear. They are now healthy and active boys.

So – the question is: What do you do to thank someone for the lives of your children?

Answer: You save the life of someone else.

Every time you give blood, you can save the lives of two people. So why not give?

By the time I turn 40 next May 22, it is my goal to get friends, family and colleagues to donate 400 pints of blood. To track this goal, BloodSource established the Murphy 400 Fund. Giving blood is safe, easy, and only takes about an hour. There are many convenient locations throughout our region to donate. Visit the BloodSource website for more information on how to donate, or give me a call at (916) 684-three-three-eight-three, and we’ll get you set up.

So why not go to the BloodSource website and set up your appointment right now? You’ll be glad that you did.

Father's Day - June 18, 2006

On this Father’s Day, I’m grateful for my two sons, Declan and Jack, and the richness they bring to my life. I’m thankful that they are happy and healthy boys.

After Declan was born, our doctor noticed he had petechiae (small red spots where he was bleeding into his skin). Declan was soon diagnosed with Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (NAT). This is a condition where the gestating baby’s blood platelets have a specific antigen (or toxin) that the mother’s antibodies react to negatively, destroying the baby’s platelets. Deficient platelet levels are a serious and potentially life-threatening situation. Declan required multiple platelet transfusions after he was born, but with them, he was soon in the clear.

Because of this condition, Kathleen’s pregnancy with Jack was far from routine. Our doctor told us that in subsequent pregnancies, the risks posed by NAT increase exponentially, but she believed she could attend Kathleen and deliver a healthy baby.

During Kathleen’s pregnancy, Jack received two platelet transfusions in utero, at 28 and 32 weeks. The doctor used an ultrasound to draw Jack’s blood through the umbilical cord, test it and then transfuse Jack with platelets that lacked the above mentioned antigen. These transfusions helped, and Jack was born a safe platelet level. He was provided with an additional transfusion after he was born as a precautionary measure.

Declan and Jack both received the specific platelets they needed from BloodSource, provided by the same donor both times. There are not many blood donors that have this particular type of platelet, as it is a fairly rare platelet type among the general populace. BloodSource is using Declan and Jack’s story as one of their success stories, and are currently using the boys in their promotional campaign to attract more donors.

This is where you come in.

I recently had my 39th birthday. Kathleen wanted to know what I wanted to do for my 40th birthday next May. I thought back when a good friend of mine had his 30th birthday – he had a party that benefited the Sacramento Food Bank. I decided I would borrow his idea, but have BloodSource as my beneficiary.

By the time I turn 40 next May 22, it is my goal to get friends, family and colleagues to donate 400 pints of blood. To track this goal, BloodSource established the Murphy 400 Fund.

Giving blood is safe, easy, and it takes about an hour. There are many convenient locations throughout our region to donate. Appointments are recommended. (For friends and colleagues outside of the Sacramento region, you can locate your nearest blood center by calling 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visiting www.givelife.org.) When you donate, tell BloodSource you’re donating to the Murphy 400 Fund, and we’ll be able to track the donations we receive. I would also ask that you consider sponsoring a blood drive at your place of business for the Murphy 400 Fund. Please contact me if you’re interested in this.

It usually takes a person three times to donate in order for the “habit” to be formed. With your help, I can reach the goal of 400 pints by next May, while also establishing a large number of new donors who give regularly.

Stay tuned for more information about blood drives and updates on my goal to reach 400 pints!

Thanks –

Tim Murphy
Elk Grove, California

Welcome to the Murphy 400 Fund update page!

Declan and Jack Murphy are healthy boys thanks to the assistence of BloodSource!