Alli and Danny Kustoff
What part of the organization and mission speaks most to you and why?
Our initial interest in South Texas Blood & Tissue came from our own personal story. Alli has a bleeding disorder that required many units of plasma during her pregnancies and deliveries. She would solicit friends to donate designated plasma, with Danny being her primary donor. It was a complicated process in terms of donating and receiving the designated plasma while in labor, but South Texas Blood & Tissue always came through. Not only did Alli utilize this service, but her older brother and younger sister also have the same bleeding disorder and were also regular recipients of plasma for surgeries and deliveries. After getting involved on the board, we came to learn how many ways South Texas Blood & Tissue is able to save so many lives with a variety of blood and tissue products. Fortunately today, it is not necessary to receive designated products as the general supply is able to provide the necessary products. Therefore, we truly see the importance of having a regular stream of donors so these products are always available.
What do you like to do?
We particularly like to spread the word of the wonderful things South Texas Blood & Tissue does through social media and events.
What motivates you?
Hearing stories of people’s lives being saved by these products is very motivating. Recognizing when there’s a shortage and knowing the only solution is physical donation motivates us to continually make people aware of the need. Every single person probably knows someone who has needed blood products. Some are horrific accidents, some are necessary or elective surgeries, and some are illnesses like leukemia. To know that humans can save other humans by simply rolling up their sleeves and donating inspires us to never stop raising monies or communicating this need.
Is there anything about your time on the board you would like to share? Most cherished moments, greatest accomplishments, something you are looking forward to?
We have met some really wonderful friends through this organization. We have also witnessed beautiful success stories and true heartache when a life could not be saved. It is inspiring to see the incredible growth of this agency and how much more they are able to accomplish with the blood products they receive to save as many lives as possible. We are very excited to see newer technology being installed in the coming year to make the donation process easier and more efficient.
Together let’s save lives!
