Folsom man's efforts in blood donation land him a spot in National Blood Donation Hall of Fame

A Folsom man received national recognition for donating blood, according to Fresenius Kabi spokesperson Ellie Dundics. Scott MacGregor of Folsom has not only donated more than 260 times, but he also actively advocates for "diversifying the donor base," according to a press release. His efforts in blood donation and advocation landed him a spot in Fresenius Kabi's National Blood Donation Hall of Fame. Fresenius Kabi is a healthcare company specializing in transfusions and infusion technology that encourages the donation of blood. They honor "heroes" who have shown "exemplary commitment to donating blood and/or encouraging blood donation" through their National Blood Donation Hall of Fame. According to MacGregor, the pivotal point in his life that made him want to donate blood was when his daughter almost lost her life. In 2013, MacGregor's daughter, Terrin, was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia (SAA), a disease where bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells for the body. Treatment for SAA is through bone marrow transplants, and it can be difficult to find a matching donor. Luckily for him and his daughter, a donor in Ohio was found. Since then, Terrin has gone on to live a fulfilling life and is now a senior in high school. "Terrin is healthy, so Scott has made it a goal to not only donate platelets … and he does that every two to four weeks," according to Vitalant Communications Manager Victoria Wolfe. "He's sort of a leader in that kind of realm in California." Said MacGregor, "Whatever time I have left is to hopefully pass that on to the next patient or family who may not know they need it." Among donating blood himself, MacGregor loves to "tell people how impactful" donating blood is "to families like mine." Terrin had 58 transplants, according to MacGregor. "58 times I saw that blood product coming into my daughter's hospital, and 58 times I wondered, 'What if someone hadn't shown up to make that donation?' " MacGregor said. Senior Vice President of Blood Services Operations at Vitalant Steve Ferraiuolo said to MacGregor, "I think what makes what you so special and so unique is you. You are just one of those people you want to know. You're one of those people you want on your side. … There's this humble, genuine spirit about you that is constantly putting others first." MacGregor has also volunteered his time with Vitalant and Be The Match "to offer testimony in legislative efforts and became a transplant courier, traveling around the world delivering precious cargo," Dundics said. Marketing Operations Manager at Vitalant Meredith Spencer commended MacGregor for his consistent volunteering, considering him a friend. "We've had the chance to work with each other, but we've been far better friends throughout this journey together," Spencer said. "Everybody knows that if he calls my phone right now, it's going to pop up with his picture and it says 'Chief of Awesomeness.' I just call him chief because there's no other term that better describes Scott as Chief of Awesomeness." Spencer said MacGregor gave suggestions for blood drive locations during COVID, when many people may have thought they were "crazy ideas." However, she said Vitalant loves to "embrace the crazy." MacGregor made so many contributions with Vitalant that Spencer describes him as "limitless in your ability to inspire others to roll up their sleeve and donate." To celebrate Fresenius Kabi's National Blood Donation Hall of Fame's 25th anniversary, 12 people, including MacGregor, were inducted, "joining the ranks of more than 300 prior honorees," according to a Fresenius Kabi press release. "Blood donation is a selfless, life-saving act, and this year's inductees have made heroic contributions to bolster the blood supply, which is critically needed to care for patients, especially during the ongoing nationwide shortage," said Fresenius Kabi Medtech Global Commercial Operations President Dean Gregory. "Congratulations to those joining the National Blood Donation Hall of Fame, and heartfelt thanks for your honorable efforts in providing this vital resource to patients when it matters most. We hope their remarkable commitment serves as an inspiring call to action, encouraging others to roll up their sleeves and help meet the nation's urgent need for blood donations."