Forever Buff Dan Richmond's Story

Join your fellow buffs for a blood drive next month and save a life. 

Tuesday, February 5th, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Rec Center Ice Overlook
Wednesday, February 6th, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Rec Center Studio 1
Wednesday, February 6th, 9 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. & noon to 2:30 p.m., Bloodmobile on Marine Street, East Campus
Thursday, February 7th, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Rec Center Ice Overlook

Walk-ins are welcome or schedule an appointment by call/text to 720-333-0675 or at lauren.c.thompson@colorado.edu.

Why should you donate? Every 2 seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion. Below is one of those stories, with a special connection to CU. 

On July 13, 2012, University of Colorado alumnus Dan Richmond (Hist, 2000) took an involuntary thirty-seven day detour on his way to pick up his wife for her sister’s wedding ehearsal. On that day, Dan was involved in a head-on crash resulting in five broken ribs, a hip fractured in two places, and multiple lacerations on internal organs and limbs. He required 121 units of blood, the equivalent of removing and replacing the entire body’s blood supply twelve times.

Dan has very few, but very vivid, memories of the events surrounding the accident - the unique sound of the voice of the first responder asking him, “Who can I call”, Dan telling his wife on the phone, “I love you, I’ll see you soon”, and the metal-shearing screech of the Jaws of Life.  When he regained consciousness thirty-seven days after the accident, Dan remembers seeing double and being unable to walk. Today, the scar from his navel to his sternum is a daily reminder of that life-changing day. 

Dan has worked for National Jewish Hospital since before the accident and recounted how medical professionals tend to develop a twisted sense of humor. During his inpatient rehab, a bemused nurse admired his scar and pronounced, “Your bikini modeling career is over.”  With a lot of help (and a lot of hard work) Dan now considers himself recovered.

Dan Richmond will never forget the generosity of the blood donors that kept him alive. These days, he frequently volunteers at the five annual CU Blood Drives sponsored by the Staff Council, reminding donors that, “lives are not just changed, but saved” by their donations. His moving story is a reminder that our lives can change in the blink of an eye, and that we all have the power to be a positive force with our actions.

Many departments welcome or encourage staff to participate in blood drive donations. Ask your supervisor about taking time to donate.