“My wife and I can not thank you enough for your vital contribution towards my successful treatment. Your work with BMTGA has assured me that my life will be a long one. We wish you and your company continued success. You have our thanks, respect and eternal gratitude.”

“I had been going to a bigger blood center the past couple years, since it was more convenient to my home. However, I realized why I used to always go down to the Northside Hospital area to donate.Your new facility was extremely professional, comfortable, and well-run, and I was actually in and out in less time than the closer center. The staff was friendly and efficient, the facility was state-of-the-art, and it was a much more pleasant overall experience…and it's good to be back.”

“As usual you and the rest of the staff at ABS did another great job with my platelet donation yesterday. As you know I have been a donor there since June of '01 and continue to try to help out for those that I not only don't know but will most likely never meet. It doesn't matter. The fact that I leave there knowing that I may have saved a life, or two, that day is a truly exhilarating feeling that cannot be duplicated. Since I have been blessed with good health I feel that this small "payback" is worth the effort. Keep up the good work and I will see you all again soon.”

“Thank you for coming to Holy Inncocents' Episcopal School and informing the student body about the Atlanta Blood Services. Your efforts definitely raised my awareness about the demand for donating blood and motivated me to take action and contribute to saving lives. The information that you presented in such an organized method was simple yet informative and helpful. I admire your commitment to helping others, and your willingness to make incredible efforts to support society. I wish for the best and intend to show service in the future of Atlanta Blood Services.”

“My first awareness of the Blood Center was through the family of a friend who was in need of blood platelets due to his treatments for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I was not aware of the fact that blood platelets could be used in such a manner, but my concern for the health and well-being of my friend overcame any fear that I might have had, having never donated blood or platelets at that point in my life. That was seven years ago, and since that time, due to the overwhelming generosity of friends and family, he has been in remission for years.
The first time I sat in the chair and was hooked up to the machines in the office, I was put at ease by the friendliness and professionalism given to me by the staff at the Atlanta Blood Services. I was offered a choice of movies to watch, since the procedure was going to take a while. After giving a sample of my blood to be tested, I was told that I had about three times the number of platelets that most people have, and that was a good thing. I was informed that my platelets would be used to help counter the effects of the treatments that people have and would help bolster their immune system. That was seven years ago, and since that time, I have lost count of the times I have scheduled the time to sit in that chair and have my platelets used to help others.
I have been called to donate for people I do not know, I have volunteered to donate for people I do know, and most of the time I just donate to the general community of those in need. I have called into local radio stations and have been put on the air to describe what the donation process is like, how easy it is, and how good you feel when you leave, knowing you have helped someone fight their illness.
It's a great feeling to me, but I know that it is a much greater feeling to those in need who receive my platelets. I will continue to make the time to donate as often as I can, since I know what it does to help others in need. The folks at the blood center always make you feel welcome, take great care to ensure that you are comfortable, and do a great service.”

“Thank you for coming to Holy Innocent's to talk about ABS and the importance of donating blood. I truly had no idea how much blood is needed for hospitals and how limited the amount of donors there are. I become motivated to donate blood and encourage others to do the same. It seems so easy. The fact that I can save a few lives just because of donating a pint of blood is unbelievable to me. I am so grateful for ABS coming out and educating our school about donating blood. You made me realize that I can save lives and encourage my peers to help out my community by simply donating blood. I am excited to get started!”

“I have been donating platelets at Atlanta Blood Services for many years. The process takes a couple of hours, but thanks to the great ABS staff, the time passes quickly. Whether I'm reading a book, watching a movie or just relaxing, knowing that those couple of hours can make a life-saving difference for someone who is seriously ill is both an honor and a privilege. Unlike whole blood, which can be frozen, platelets have a shelf-life of only five days. It is so important that healthy donors keep that “platelet pipeline” full. Please give!”

“I was never anything but pleased by the staff at ABS.  They are very kind and understanding and care about the people who the blood and platelets are being collected for.  There was nothing frightening about the process.  It doesn't hurt any more than having a blood test at the doctor.  It does take a little of your time, but most it gives most people watch a movie during that time and it makes the time pass quickly.  I always use it as a reading time.  I just remember that a couple of hours every 2 or 3 weeks is not much time to give for all the good that it does for people who need our help.”

“I would like to thank everyone at Atlanta Blood Services for the wonderful and pleasant experience I had. I have donated 5 times over 4 weeks and everyone was professional, courteous, and helpful. I plan to continue to donate once a month.”

“The first time that I ever gave blood was in 1980 as a college student. My roommate was sick and in the hospital for about three weeks.  Prior to that he had gotten a traffic ticket and now the payment was due.  Back then you could give blood instead of paying the fine, so I gave blood to pay his ticket.  The experience was uneventful and painless, no problem.  Through that experience I learned about my blood type.  I became just an occasional blood donor.  I would give whenever it was convenient or when I felt guilty about something and or thought that I needed to get some “points” from God.
Five years ago, I had a life changing experience at a local church in Alpharetta – I became a follower of Jesus Christ.  It changed my entire outlook on life and began to affect all the decisions that I made.  And when I began to look at others, my own problems began to look really small.  I got into a small group and met a couple whose son had leukemia.  This relationship resulted in my first visit to Atlanta Blood Services, over at the Northside Doctor's Center.
Before coming here I had mainly given through the Red Cross.  At ABS I have never had a bad experience.  The nurses are so nice and they always take great care of me.  Even though I have given many times, I still get apprehensive when the machine starts returning for the first time. Everyone knows that and they know all about me and my family. They always ask about my wife, my mother-in-law, and my special needs boys.  The nurses are very experienced and I feel at ease because I know that I will be able to successfully donate every time. You know, now that I think about it, there has never been a time when I came in and was not able to donate because they didn't get the needle in just the right place.
I would encourage you to donate platelets, for many reasons. You can make a difference in this world and even save a life. You can save a child. Anyone can. Where can you find an opportunity like that?  All you have to do is lie still for an hour or so and yes, maybe endure some minor discomfort. But it is well worth it. I really don't understand why there is not a line or a waiting list. Everyone should be trying to get in.”

“I am really impressed with your new offices and the computer system, such a time saver. As always, your staff is so professional and kind - it's always a treat to donate - I'm just sorry I've been under the cut for donating lately - I'm working on my iron and hopefully and prayerfully I'll be ready on the 8th!  Thanks for your help!”

"A Day at the Blood Center Spa: It's a day to relax.  The reclining chaises are the most comfortable and the movie selection is more than adequate. The techs and others at the Center are so gracious and treat you royally.  The warmed blankets are a treat and make it so cozy. You are offered a delicious variety of snacks and there are cool, refreshing drinks. You might even win a prize from the monthly drawing!  And they will dress you in a smartly designed T-shirt.  What a nice get-away for an hour or two out of your busy schedule. Oh yes, just one minor detail - you do have to do all of this with a needle in your arm! A small price to pay!!”