Lung transplant recipient urges blood donations

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A local man is breathing easier after receiving a life-saving lung transplant. He says he's grateful to the donor and to his doctors, but also to everyone who donates blood.

Bob Senander was part of a record-breaking event when he received his brand new lungs, but getting the surgery didn't take away all his trouble. It's why he now encourages anyone who can to donate blood.

In a chain of surgeries that made big news, Senander became one of five patients to receive a lung transplant at Loyola University Medical Center -- all within 24 hours.

"I was told afterwards that I probably had a matter of weeks to live," Senander said.

The transplant saved his life for sure, but just a few weeks later, he would face more difficulty.

"I wound up with a hematoma in my arm which is a lot of swelling, very painful, and the solution was three liters of blood," Senander said.

The American Red Cross says blood is in shortest supply during the summer months, yet the need is always great.

"People need blood for a variety of reasons, certainly scheduled surgeries, also unscheduled things, so car accidents. Many times when a woman is in labor, she may need blood when giving birth. People who have specific conditions that require regular blood transfusions, so that can be certain types of cancers who do need blood on a regular basis," said Martha Carlos, American Red Cross of Chicago.

Senander is recovering well and has even participated in "Hustle up the Hancock," climbing ninety-four floors to raise money for lung disease research. After having one blood transfusion during his transplant surgery and a second to treat a subsequent illness, Senander strongly encourages people to take the time to donate blood.

"You never know who it's going to be that it's going to help. It may be a family member. It may be a friend. You don't know when a car accident is going to occur, who it's going to be. So therefore it's very essential to do it," Senander said.

On Wednesday, Aug. 5, the American Red Cross is partnering with Brookfield Zoo and ABC 7 Eyewitness News to host the Brookfield Zoo Summer of Connections Blood Drive.

You can make an appointment to donate by downloading the Red Cross blood donor app, visiting redcrossblood.org and entering sponsor code "Brookfield Zoo", or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross.

All pre-registered blood donors will receive free zoo admission the day of the drive for one adult and up to two children, plus free parking. You'll also get free child care while you donate.