How Donating Blood Saved David Auld’s Life – Twice

For more than 14 years, David Auld has been a dedicated blood donor with Carter BloodCare. Since his first donation with the organization on March 22, 2010, David has contributed 74 donations, totaling an impressive nine gallons of blood. But David’s story isn’t just about the lives he’s helped through his donations—it’s also about how his commitment to giving blood saved his own life, twice.

A Lifetime of Giving

David’s journey as a blood donor began during his military service in the 1970s. While serving in both the Army and Marine Corps Reserves, David recognized the importance of blood donation to support his fellow service members and those in need.

“At the time, there was a need for it in Vietnam and other places, so we started giving blood as units,” David recalls. Even after leaving the military, he continued donating, saying, “I thought it was the right thing to do. I know there’s always a need.”

David’s dedication followed him to Texas, where he began donating with Carter BloodCare. Over the years, he made it a priority to donate as often as he could, aiming for every eight weeks.

A Mini-Physical with Major Impact

In April 2022, during one of his regular donations, David’s routine mini-physical revealed an alarming issue. Linda, a staff member at Carter BloodCare’s Tyler location, noticed an irregularity in his pulse.

“Linda was giving me my routine mini-physical, and the blood pressure machine showed my pulse was about 122,” David explains. “She switched machines, but it still showed a high count. I didn’t know anything was wrong—it felt like a normal day to me.”

Following Linda’s recommendation, David visited his heart doctor, who confirmed he had atrial flutter, an abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Within weeks, David underwent a cardioversion to restore his heart’s rhythm, followed by an ablation procedure to address the issue more permanently.

David’s gratitude is evident as he reflects on the experience: “If I hadn’t been giving blood, I don’t know what would have happened. I didn’t feel anything unusual. The mini-physical probably saved my life.”

A Second Wake-Up Call

Fast forward to March 2024, and the mini-physical would once again prove lifesaving for David. As he prepared to donate, Linda noticed another irregularity—this time, his heart rate was an alarming 144 beats per minute.

David immediately sought medical attention and underwent another ablation procedure. “This time, they mapped my heart and burned four nerves on both sides of the heart to address the issue,” he says. Following the procedure, his heart rate returned to a healthy range.

More Than a Donation

David’s story is a powerful reminder that the benefits of donating blood extend beyond helping recipients. Carter BloodCare’s mini-physical—which checks vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse—offers donors an opportunity to monitor their health.

“When you donate blood, you’re not just helping others,” David emphasizes. “You’re also taking care of yourself. If it hadn’t been for those mini-physicals, I might not be here today.”

A Call to Action

David continues to donate blood whenever he’s eligible, knowing firsthand the importance of regular health checks and the impact of blood donations. His dedication and resilience inspire all of us to consider how we can give back.

If you’re considering donating blood, remember that it’s more than an act of kindness. It’s a chance to help save lives—including your own. Schedule your donation today and experience the potentially lifesaving benefits of Carter BloodCare’s mini-physical.

For more information on how to donate, visit Carter BloodCare.