Man donates 100th gallon of blood to San Bernardino donation center

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- One man celebrated a milestone when he donated his 100th gallon of blood to the LifeStream blood donation center in San Bernardino.

Jim Gursslin has faithfully donated his time and blood to the center for nearly 50 years.

"I started donating way back in 1967. Then my dad got sick, he had bone marrow cancer. After he passed away, I said, 'heck, somebody needed the blood.' So I just kept on donating and donating," he said.

The center also celebrated Gursslin's donation landmark. Dr. Joe Chaffin, chief medical officer of the center, said there are only 12 members of the 100-gallon donor club, and that Gursslin is that 12th member.

It is estimated that Gursslin has helped save hundreds of lives over the years, including some of the tiniest and most fragile because his blood is negative for a common virus.

The retired U.S. Air Force reservist and Vietnam veteran is humble about the major accomplishment, which is no small feat.

Sara Yuill has been donating her blood for six years and has managed to reach four gallons. She said she wants to be as dedicated as Gursslin.

Even with 100 gallons of blood donations under his belt, the 71-year-old won't be slowing down anytime soon.

He will be back in the donation chair two weeks from now ready to give more.

"The best part about it is meeting all these wonderful people that work here and the free cookies afterwards," he said.