100 Units of Blood & 1 Kidney
Ashland Hero’s Donation Journey
Deidra Bowling-Meade
The Ashland Beacon
Who is your favorite superhero? What powers does he/she possess? Superheroes are known for their exceptional skills and ability to save the day with a flying leap, quick speed, and super strength. We all love a hero even though the superheroes in the comics and movies are unrealistic. True heroes do exist in the world. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes; they are idealized for their courage, outstanding achievements, and noble qualities. One individual who wouldn’t describe himself as a hero but clearly embodies these characteristics is Ashland native Jim Stanley, who is worthy of praise this March as we celebrate American Red Cross Month and National Kidney Month. Jim Stanley is a recent donor of 100 units of blood and a kidney donor from 1996. Who can say they have made such contributions in their lifetime?
Jim Stanley grew up on Garfield Avenue in Ashland, attended Hager Elementary, Putnam and was a 1970 graduate of Paul Blazer High School. He started working at the refinery at Ashland Oil in 1974 where his donation journey began. Stanley recalled, “I started donating blood at the refinery for a blood drive in 1975. The American Red Cross would make regular visits there over the years. I started donating blood because in 1975 my mother had a hysterectomy and had to have a unit of blood. At that time, if someone needed whole blood, the family was asked to replace it. I replaced the unit of blood my mother used. I just felt good doing that, so I didn’t stop! I have O- blood, which is called the universal donor. That means anyone in an emergency can use my blood. The American Red Cross really likes people with O- to donate.”
According to the American Red Cross, “Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.” Giving blood is such a worthy cause. Stanley has given blood for over 45 years and only took time off when he donated a kidney and was recovering from a rare cancer called parathyroid carcinoma. Stanley commented, “I restarted donating blood again after being cancer free for a year. On Feb 20, 2023, I completed my 100th pint of blood, which has been my personal goal. Giving blood always made me just feel good about helping others in a way that is easy and needed. Donating blood has really fallen off over the years for some reason, and people don’t feel the need to donate. I remember at the refinery blood drives, there would be well over 100 people giving blood for an eight-hour shift. At one time, I signed up to be a bone marrow donor if needed. This was all just something I felt I needed to do. I guess you could say it was my calling to help others in my own special way.” Jim’s actions even encouraged his wife, Patty Umberger Stanley, who regularly went with Jim when he gave blood, to start donating blood also.
Jim Stanley’s courageous act didn’t stop with giving blood; he donated a kidney to his brother in 1996. Stanley shared, “My older brother Skip was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Over the years, his kidneys started to fail and he had to go on dialysis. In 1994, he asked if I would mind being tested to see if I could possibly donate one of my kidneys. So, after discussing this with my wife, Patty, I decided to start the testing process. I went through blood tests, kidney functions, and ultrasounds, and then I had to lose some weight. All of this was a two-year process. Finally, in July of 1996, we were given the go ahead for the surgery at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. They warned me about the dangers and pain I would have following the surgery. It didn’t matter as I knew Skip depended on this surgery. Live donor surgery was still in the learning stages. I underwent radical nephrectomy for my left kidney. The incision was around 17 inches long with the removal of one of my ribs also. Luckily, this has improved over the years as now most surgeries are now laparoscopic. I was off work for three months, and it took me about one year to totally recover. Skip lived for another 10 good years before passing from a different surgery. He was able to see his first grandchild born.”
Jim’s wife, Patty, shared her emotions as Jim was going through the kidney donation, “As his wife, I felt so blessed that he was willing to donate a kidney to his brother. I knew it was going to be hard on us as a family. He was off work, and we had a 12, 16 and 19-year-old at the time to take care of. I did a lot of praying, and as usual, God always took care of us. We look back at all the trying times and know God is so good!”
Since Jim has donated a kidney, his way of living life has changed. “I do have to watch what medicines I take so as to not harm my remaining kidney. I’m not supposed to use NSAIDs (aspirin, Aleve, etc.) only Tylenol for pain relief. I’ve had a few MRIs and CT scans, and I have found out that over the years my remaining kidney has actually grown in size to make up for the loss of its twin! I keep check on kidney function with yearly blood tests. I really can’t tell any difference physically other than not being able to do a few sports because of the lack of muscle where the surgical scar is located. Golf is one sport that I can’t do anymore but it’s ok; I wasn’t very good at the game anyway! I never regretted donating a kidney and would do it all over again.” Above all, Jim became a Christian and was saved on March 3, 2015. “I have been so blessed by God over the years!” proclaimed Jim.
God’s plan for Jim continues as he inspires others with his story. Jim Stanley is one of a kind through his courageous, noble, generous, and loving heart. He brings hope to others through graciously being a donor. This March, consider becoming a donor and make a difference.
