Nation's First Baby Boomer Donates Blood for the First Time

(VERO BEACH, FLA)

Kathy Casey-Kirschling extraordinary distinction has gotten her a lot of attention through the years,.

“I am the first baby boomer in the United States,” said Casey-Kirshling. “I was blessed to be born at one second after midnight  January 1, 1946,  which in turn started the biggest baby boom in the history of the nation. I am of course only one of 76 million.”

And, since she is the first baby boomer, she has received a lot of national attention. Cameras even captured when she applied for retirement benefits  And now Casey-Kirshling hopes her national recognition will shed light on another cause, blood donations.

 “I hope many will come because we are a generation of many and the need is great,” said Casey-Kirshling.

 She is 74 years old, and while she has always given back, Casey-Kirschling has not donated blood until now. She said she felt a strong need to come forward after seeing what’s happening in the country with the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is life blood, it can help save countless lives and I felt I needed to do this,” said Casey-Kirshling.

 And, her motivation is boosted by a very personal connection!  Casey-Kirschling’s daughter,  Beth Ann Juel, is a OneBlood Team member.

 “They are an amazing company and our mission to me is something I’m proud of every day to get up and do every day,” said Juel.

 Juel has even more to be proud not only did her nationally known mother give blood  So, did her dad, 

 “It should be something everybody should be doing,” said Patrick Kirschling.

The actual blood donation took less than ten minutes. Casey-Kirshling said it is such a small out of time that can make a huge difference.

 “I feel as a baby boomer we need to be able to give back and pay it forward,” said Casey-Kirschling.

Juel added, “There’s no better place to give back then getting on one of these buses right now.”

If you would like to donate blood or learn more about the process just head to:  https://www.oneblood.org