Rare blood donations needed for seriously ill ex-official
by Jonathan Hines
July 2, 2008
Family and friends of former Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Tom Bennett are pleading for plasma from male donors with AB positive or AB negative blood to treat a rare blood disorder.
Bennett, a Shelbyville resident, is currently in critical condition at the Baptist East Hospital in Louisville. He is on a respirator in a medically induced coma and undergoing plasma replacement therapy daily.
Bennett returned from a Colorado trip last week. "He's still in critical care," said Tommie Bennett, Tom Bennett's mother.
"We do not know the origin of where this came from or whether it is Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. We do know that he has a blood disorder."
Only males with AB negative or AB positive blood, the most rare blood type, can help Bennett. Eligible donors are being asked to give plasma to the Chestnut Street Red Cross in Louisville or the Central Kentucky Blood Center at Beaumont Centre in Lexington.
The two blood donation facilities are described as the only ones nearby with the proper blood-separation technology accepted by physicians.
Donors are asked to specify the donation is for Clyde Thomas Bennett.
Only 1 percent of the population have Bennett's AB negative blood type, according to the American Red Cross.
Bennett, who served as the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner from 1993 to 2005, has been diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a condition in which clots form when blood cells called platelets clump. He must receive two treatments a day to replace the platelets in his blood.
"He has to have platelets everyday until he can start building his own," Tommie Bennett said.
According to the Red Cross Web site, plasma, which contains platelets, is easily replenished by the body and can be donated as frequently as every 48 hours but no more than 12 times a year.
Sarah Liebman, a friend of the family, said the Red Cross is accepting plasma donations until 7 p.m. daily this week. Donors can call 1-800-732-8772 to speak with a Red Cross representative about donation.
Liebman said out-of-state donors must get their donations approved before they will be accepted.
"It's going to be shipped here only in his name," she said. "The doctor here has to fax them a note saying they will accept it."
Liebman said out-of-state donors could e-mail the fax number of their donation site to her at [email protected] for approval.
Tommie Bennett describer her oldest son as a "happy 56-year-old" who "had always taken care of himself physically."
She said Bennett checked into the hospital last week after returning from Colorado Springs where he was serving as an officer for the National Archery in the Schools Program.
"He has a long way to go," Tommie Bennet said of her son's recovery.
Comments
Posted by TonyHarrod July 2, 2008 Sweet Jesus Tom is sick?He is at a great hospital..he is a hard head just like me....I will pray for his quick recovery....an old friend from the past...may the Lord be with his family thru all this....
Posted by samdad30 July 2, 2008 You are ALL in our prayers. I worked with Tom briefly several years ago, and he is a strongwilled person. I know he'll get through this.
Posted by DohEllen July 2, 2008 To realdeal: It has something to do with an antibody in women's blood once they have been pregnant. It can be harmful to men for some reason. (We're just too cool for them!) It can't be tested for, and they won't take your word that you've never been pregnant, so they just eliminate women altogether. Thanks for your willingness to help - our whole family appreciates everyone's thoughts and prayers!
Posted by realdeal July 2, 2008 I really wish I could help but I don't have the right blood type. I didn't even know what type I had until I called the doctor yesterday to find out. Plus I'm a female, so I'm assuming that's another reason why I can't. Although I'm not too sure why it has to be a male donor, I thought as long as they were the same blood type, no matter what the persons sex was, it would work. Anyone know why? Hopefully there are ppl out there who hear about this and do what they can to help! My heart goes out to Bennett and his family.
Posted by Bewitch July 2, 2008 PLEASE HELP MY UNCLE IF YOU CAN....WE WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL!! IF YOU CAN'T HELP, PLEASE SAY A PRAYER!!
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