George “Skip” Tinsman’s blood donation journey began in 1971, shortly after returning from Vietnam. For many years, he was a regular whole blood donor.
His path to platelet donation began in 1996, when his wife, Sally, was undergoing chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After seeing firsthand how platelet transfusions helped his wife during her cancer treatment, Skip made it his mission to give back. Today, he has reached an incredible 437 platelet donations, each one honoring Sally’s memory and helping patients facing their own battles.
In addition to being a dedicated donor, Skip is also a valued member of the Blood Bank of Delmarva team. Since joining BBD in August 2020 as a Hospital Services Coordinator, he has played an important role in ensuring lifesaving blood products reach hospitals and patients across our region.
New York Blood Center Enterprises Social/Digital Media Manager Tara Carlson shared that Blood Bank of Delmarva received an overwhelmingly positive response (quite the splash) to Skip’s story on social media, in particular Facebook, where comments abound and engagement is higher than the average post. In addition, WMDT Channel 47ABC picked up Skip’s story for its “Tonight’s Good News,” segment on Tuesday, Vietnam Veteran Gives Blood in his Late Wife’s Honor – 47abc.
Thank you, Skip, for your extraordinary dedication and compassion, which has led to great exposure for the mission. You truly embody what it means to save lives, in more ways than one.