Conn. man donates 18 gallons of blood

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BRIDGEPORT, Conn., July 10 (UPI) -- A Connecticut man who has been donating blood for 34 years said he has donated a total of 18 gallons in 144 separate donations.

Alan Gittleman of South Windsor, first donated blood to the American Red Cross in 1978 as part of the Bridgeport Jewish Community Center's drive in the name of his father-in-law, who had recently undergone surgery.

He said he has donated about six times per year since his original donation, The Hartford (Conn.) Courant reported Tuesday.

"It's the easiest thing you can do," Gittleman said. "It's 10 or 15 minutes out of your day."

Gittleman said reaching his 18th gallon was an important milestone for him because 18 is the numeric value of the Hebrew word for life, "chai."