Voluntary blood donation is a deeply humanitarian act that is increasingly spreading within communities. However, becoming the world’s most prolific blood donor is not something everyone can achieve, as exemplified by an 80-year-old woman living in Alberta, Canada – who has recently been honored by the Guinness World Records as the woman who has donated the most whole blood in the world.
Elderly woman Josephine Michaluk donating blood.
International media reports that Josephine Michaluk began donating blood at the age of 22 in 1965. “Initially, I had no intention of donating blood; I just went along with my sister to do this… Later, I decided to follow in my sister’s footsteps and start donating blood,” shared the woman, who has blood type O+.
Six decades have passed since Ms. Michaluk’s first blood donation, and to date, she has donated a total of 203 blood units, with each unit equivalent to approximately 450ml (according to Canadian measurement standards). Despite being in her 80s, Ms. Michaluk maintains an average donation frequency of more than four times a year, although there were years when she could not donate due to pregnancy (Ms. Michaluk has four children) and having undergone several surgeries.
Reflecting on her meaningful actions, Ms. Michaluk simply states that she has been donating blood for many years because she knows that her contributions can help others. “I feel like I can give and share my blood with those in need… I have never thought about setting a record. I do not donate blood for that reason and will continue my work,” the 80-year-old woman affirmed.
Before Ms. Michaluk, the Guinness World Record for the most blood donation by a woman was held by Madhura Ashok Kumar (from India), with 117 blood units.
