South Texas Blood & Tissue celebrated Martha “Marty” Shu.
SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio women are recognized for reaching milestones marked by years of generosity that made life-saving impact in their community.
The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center said Martha “Marty” Shuu was the first woman to reach the 100-gallon donation mark of blood and platelets on Wednesday morning.
Shu was surprised by the special news when she appeared at Donor Pavilion, a regular and a regular for another day.
“I feel special,” Shu said. “I didn’t know.”
She is the first woman to join the organization’s 100-gallon donor club. South Texas Blood & Organization told Kens 5 that over the past few years, Marty has made 24 donations per calendar year.
Her donations have impacted more than 2,400 patients since she began giving in the early ’90s, according to the organization.
“I like to help people,” Shu said.
She shared with South Texas Blood & Tissue how her donation journey began and said she was inspired by former flames.
“I was dating an FBI agent… he explained the moment we started dating, “Do you want to donate? Everyone needs it. Law enforcement people, first responders. Everyone needs blood products,” she explained. “So I started making donations, but never stopped.”
The San Antonio native has two sisters, who she says is also a regular blood donor. She recognizes genes of generosity in her mother.
“I was just blessed,” she said. “When I know that good platelets and good platelets are counted and you know that it’s like, ‘Why can’t you donate?’
Shu remains ambitious and says she is aiming to reach her next goal, 150 gallons.
“At least for me, there should be another 15 years,” she said. “You should be able to hit 150 without any problems.”
South Texas Blood & Tissue told Kens 5 that Shue was the seventh person to reach the 100-gallon donation mark in the tissue system and was the first woman to do so.
“When we celebrate Women’s History Month, she really makes history,” the South Texas Blood and Organization said.
