LifeStream Recognizes Blood Donor by Don Escalante - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

AUGUST
S M T W T F S
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
02 03 04 05 06 07 08
09 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31 01 02 03 04 05
View Events
Submit Events
directory

LifeStream Recognizes Blood Donor

By Don Escalante, Community Writer
May 15, 2014 at 02:47pm. Views: 71

Bob Hitchman III, an Inaland Empire resident, made his 1,000th blood donation Wednesday, April 23 at LifeStream’s San Bernardino Donor Center. Hitchman, 59, became the second donor in LifeStream’s 63-year history to reach the plateau, which represents 125 gallons of donated blood. Larry Bloemsma, Redlands, preceded him in February of this year. His contributions to community wellness over nearly 35 years have assisted approximately 1,500-2,000 hospital patients. According to Hitchman, he began donating blood “about 1980” at the urging of his wife, Jean. “She told me, ‘You make the same excuses everyone else makes for not doing it.’ She was right. “And once I started, and learned where the blood goes, and how it helps people, it was easy to make the decision to become a regular donor.” Jean has donated whole blood more than 120 times; her 15-gallons plus puts her in elite company as a member of LifeStream’s 10-Gallon Donor Club. Since 1987, Bob Hitchman has donated platelets, which can be collected biweekly up to 24 times per year. He has maintained that donation schedule, with very few exceptions, for more than a quarter century. The next generation of Hitchmans has taken the cue from their parents. Sons Robert IV, a police officer, and Buddy, a firefighter, both are regular blood donors. Bob III began volunteer coaching at San Gorgonio High School in 2000, when Robert IV enrolled in the school. Robert IV and Buddy graduated from SGHS in 2004 and 2006, respectively, but the elder Hitchman still volunteer as coaches during fall and spring semesters. LifeStream is a local, not-for-profit, independent blood bank that provides blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: Dr.G  (Dr. Luis S González)

By Dr.G  (Dr. Luis S González), Community Writer

August 12, 2026 at 07:52am. Views: 301

Karina Lorenzo Morales, Melissa Walker, Dr.G Council Member and Director,  Kimberly Huerta, Evelyn Hernandez, Sofia Vega

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

August 12, 2026 at 07:54am. Views: 202

A photorealistic newspaper-quality image representing the Inland Empire justice system, featuring a Southern California courthouse exterior with residents walking toward the entrance and the San Bernardino/Riverside region's mountains visible in the distance. No text, logos or watermarks.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 12, 2026 at 07:52am. Views: 287

E-bikes have become an increasingly popular transportation and recreation option for residents of all ages, This workshop allows our community to learn how to ride safely, understand e-bike laws, and connect together with local organizations that are helping make Moreno Valley a safer place for everyone

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Dana McAllister, Community Writer

August 12, 2026 at 07:52am. Views: 169

Replacing your cabin air filter on schedule helps improve air quality inside your vehicle while supporting overall system efficiency.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Natalie Finch, Community Writer

August 12, 2026 at 07:52am. Views: 257

Learning becomes more memorable when play and creativity guide the experience.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 12, 2026 at 07:52am. Views: 262

Every drop counts during an Inland Empire summer. Thoughtful watering and efficient landscaping can help Moreno Valley households keep their yards healthy while conserving an important community resource.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

August 12, 2026 at 07:52am. Views: 282

A lively storytime turns reading into a shared adventure as young children gather around a librarian and discover the excitement waiting inside a good book.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

August 12, 2026 at 07:52am. Views: 291

Moreno Valley's Parks & Community Services Department held two separate ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate the opening of two beautiful new City park playgrounds.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

August 12, 2026 at 07:53am. Views: 256

Nathalia Flores brings confidence, dedication, and Titan spirit to the field as she continues to make her mark both in cheer and in the classroom.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 12, 2026 at 07:53am. Views: 323

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

August 12, 2026 at 07:53am. Views: 242

A resident of a supportive housing community in San Bernardino reads a notice about changes to rent subsidies, reflecting the uncertainty faced by older adults who feared losing the stable housing they had found after experiencing homelessness.

Photo Courtesy of: Christina Gaitan

By Christina Gaitan , Community Writer

August 12, 2026 at 07:53am. Views: 246

Members of the Colton Woman’s Club gather with a Colton Chamber of Commerce banner recognizing longtime community member Legacy Loyal as “Member of the Month.”

--> -->