89-year-old "hero" to give her 100th blood donation at Stoney River Marshfield

MARSHFIELD—Marie Walter’s O- blood type is rare, but even more rare and amazing is the fact that the 89-year-old will give blood for the 100th time at an Aug. 3 blood drive at Stoney River Marshfield, the senior living community where she lives.
Not to gush, but that’s about 100 pints of blood donated over Walter’s lifetime. And, it is a lot of life-saving liquid, considering that the average adult has about 10 pints of blood in his or her body.

“I’m very excited to donate blood again,” said Walter, who made her first donation at age 25 in her hometown aptly named Loyal, Wisconsin, and has continued to give. “Being a universal donor, blood centers always call on me to give. It’s just a part of life, and I feel good doing it.”

A representative from the Blood Center of Wisconsin, estimates that Walter has impacted about 300 lives through red blood, platelets and plasma from her impressive number of donations.



Many older adults believe in the common myth that they are “too old” to donate, but an older person’s blood can save somebody’s life just as well as a younger person’s. According to the American Red Cross, as long as a person meets the minimum requirements, there is no upper age limit on blood donation. To be eligible, a donor must be in good general health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 16 years old.

Walter’s milestone donation has inspired many of Stoney River’s upper-aged residents and team members to roll up their sleeves and donate as well. “We are all so moved by Marie’s 100th donation that many of us are signing up to donate in her honor,” said Sarah Krenn, Stoney River lifestyle specialist.

The public is invited to give the gift of life at the drive held in conjunction with the Blood Center of Wisconsin from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, at Stoney River Assisted Living, 1204 W. McMillan St., Marshfield. All donors will receive one ticket to the Wisconsin State Fair. Appointments are required, and can be made by calling Sarah Krenn at 715-502-4522.

Blood donation can also be made at Blood Center of Wisconsin donation centers. To find the center nearest you, and schedule an online appointment, visit www.bcw.edu/bcw/index.htm, or call 868-702-HOPE (4673).