South Texas Blood & Tissue celebrated Martha “Marty” Shuh, who has impacted over 2,400 patients over the years as a regular blood donor.
SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio woman is being recognized for reaching a special milestone marked by years of generosity that have made a lifesaving impact in the community.
South Texas Blood & Tissue said Wednesday morning that Martha “Marty” Shuh became the first woman to reach the 100-gallon mark of donating blood and platelets.
Shuh was surprised with the special news as she showed up at Donor Pavilion, where she is a regular, for another day of giving back.
“I feel special,” Shuh said. “I had no idea.”
As the first woman to make it into the organization’s exclusive 100-gallon donor club, South Texas Blood & Tissue told KENS 5 that for the past several years, Marty has made 24 donations every calendar year. Her donations, according to the organization, have impacted over 2,400 patients since she started donating in the early 90’s.
“I just like helping people,” Shuh said.
She shared with South Texas Blood & Tissue how her donation journey started, saying she was inspired by a former flame.
“I was dating an FBI agent… He said immediately the minute we started dating: ‘Do you donate? Everybody needs to. People in law enforcement, first responders. Everybody needs blood products,'” she explained. “So, I started donating and just never stopped.”
The San Antonio native has two sisters who she says are also regular blood donors. She accredits the gene of generosity to her mother.
“I’ve just been blessed,” she said. “When I found out that I had good platelets and good platelets count and you know, it’s like, ‘How could you not donate?’”
Shuh remains ambitious, saying she aims to reach her next goal of 150-gallons.
“I should have another good 15 years, at least, in me,” she said. “We should be able to hit 150 without a problem.”
South Texas Blood & Tissue told KENS 5 that Shuh is only the 7th person who has made it to donating 100-gallons in the organization’s system and the first female to do so. The other six have been male donors.
“She is truly making history as we celebrate Women’s History Month,” said South Texas Blood & Tissue.
