CLEARFIELD – Longtime American Red Cross platelet donor Perry Rowles was one of three Red Cross blood or platelet donors recognized during the organization’s national convention, held March 27 – 29 in Baltimore.
The national convention, entitled “Navigating the Future,” featured inspirational stories of volunteers and donors supporting the Red Cross’s Lines of Service: Blood Services, Disaster Services, Health and Safety Services, International Services and Service to the Armed Forces.
Perry Rowles first donated platelets in May 1994. He had given blood in his community and signed up to be entered in the National Bone Marrow Registry. He was then contacted by the Red Cross’s Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region to see if he would like to donate platelets.
He was “hooked” after his first donation and told his father about the procedure and that it helps cancer patients. Albert Rowles followed his son’s lead and donated platelets for the first time in June 1994 in recognition of family members who had been diagnosed with cancer.
The Rowles made the 150-mile round trip to the Red Cross’s Johnstown platelet donation center every two weeks until the time of Albert’s death in August 2005. When Albert passed away, he had donated a total of 258 platelet/plasma products. On February 25, 2008, Perry hit the “300” platelet/plasma product milestone.
Perry Rowles has continued this family tradition by also recruiting his two sons, Perry, Jr., and Cory, to donate, when their jobs permit. He has also recruited friend and fellow Clearfield resident John Rosselli to donate platelets.
Perry Rowles owns and operates a furniture store in Clearfield, Pa.
“Regardless of how busy his schedule is, he always finds the time to donate,” stated Jim Starr, CEO.
Perry Rowles commented, “I plan on donating as long as I am able. I have seen first hand what platelets can do for a recipient. I know it’s a distance to travel, but I’d rather be the one donating platelets than receiving them. If the day ever comes that I do need platelets, I hope they’ll be available for me.”
The Greater Alleghenies Region operates five platelet donation centers, in Altoona, Beaver, Greensburg, Johnstown and State College, Pennsylvania.
To learn more about platelet donation, please contact Donna Block at 1-800-542-5663, ext. 2730 or 814-262-2730.