Dave miller heads up Folly blood drive
I do not, in spite of how it may seem to me at times, know every person that lives on Folly Beach. So one of the great things about interviewing neighbors every month is getting to meet the interesting Folly folks that I have not yet had the pleasure of crossing paths with.
I came across Dave Miller because he’s trying to put together a blood drive on the island, and I felt it was an important event to raise awareness for. In the process, I met a very interesting man who taught me about the moons of Jupiter and more about blood than I ever thought I’d know.
FOLLY CURRENT: How did you find your way to Folly Beach?
DAVE MILLER: I was an army brat that moved all over. When I retired from the Army, I took a job in Fort Mill, working for the Red Cross. When I retired from that, my wife and I decided to relocate here to be closer to our two daughters and two grandchildren (we also have a son in Charlotte). My wife Kathy and I now live down by 9th block West with our dog Deacon, who was recently certified as a therapy dog and will be working at MUSC.
FC: What is your favorite thing about the island?
DM: What I really enjoy about Folly is the closeness to nature. You see the tides, the birds, the fish, the moon and the stars. You’re immersed in it, you can’t ignore it. I’m a fan of the laid-back atmosphere, but I’m a science guy so I really like the natural aspect. I do a lot of bird-watching, stargazing, and shark-tooth hunting, and I’m also part of the Turtle Watch program.
FC: Why are you wanting to do a blood drive?
DM: I’ve been working in blood banking and transfusion medicine for nearly 40 years, starting when I was in the army, so I understand just how important it is. Studies estimate that up to 71 percent of U.S. residents will require a blood transfusion in their lifetime, yet fewer than 4 percent donate blood. What’s wrong with that picture? Furthermore, as our population ages, more transfusions are required. Yet at the same time, more stringent donor eligibility criteria cuts away at the number of eligible donors. For example, since the last Olympics in Brazil we all have become aware that people who have travelled to areas at risk of Zika virus transmission should not donate blood for a significant period of time. So the need is greater than ever. Just one pint of donated blood can save three lives. That’s why putting this even together is important to me. I’d really like to have at least 35-40 people sign up to make it a success.
FC: What are the details of the event?
DM: The blood drive is scheduled for June 8 from 2-7pm. The bloodmobile will most likely set up by the community center and Baptist Church. You can sign up by emailing me at deacondave73@gmail.com or calling me at (704) 562-8394.
FC: What is one thing your neighbors would be surprised to know about you?
DM: Well, I’m a big Neil Diamond fan, which is kind of embarrassing. I listen to him when I work out at the gym, and I know every single song!
Writer Miranda Jordan is a guidance counselor, musician, and freelance writer. To reach her, you can email her at mirandaalicejordan@gmail.com.
