Richard K. celebrates 78th Birthday with final pint after 60 years of donating

Lakeside resident and 145-gallon donor Richard Kozachenko donated his final pint of blood today on his 78th birthday, which is also his 60th anniversary of donating blood. 

Richard was born on November 2, 1942, making his first blood donation on his 18th birthday and has been donating ever since. He’s donated at the San Diego Blood Bank for a total of 54 years. Records show he’s had 676 donations with SDBB, equating to over 2,000 lives potentially saved. We are so grateful to Richard and his many donations over the years. Before he donated, Richard brought some of his favorite staff members little gifts as SDBB presented Richard with birthday balloons and fanfare. Blood recipient and leukemia survivor, Mercedes Soto thanked Richard for his many years of donations as blood donors helped to save her life. 

San Diego Blood Bank encourages members of the community to carry on Richard’s legacy by becoming blood donors! The next generation of lifesavers are needed. If you are 18 years old and are looking to volunteer or make a community impact, now is the time to consider donating blood. You could begin a meaningful and lifelong practice of helping others, just like Richard. 

Will you carry the torch and sign up to donate blood? Make it regular habit and impact the lives of your neighbors and friends.

To donate blood, you must be 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 114 pounds, and be in general good health. Learn more about donor eligibility requirements and read FAQs.

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Check out the video below or watch on Facebook Video from San Diego Blood Bank.

Published 11/20/2020; Updated on 6/7/2022