TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — On Memorial Day, five years ago, now Vigo County Commissioner, Mark Clinkenbeard, was severely injured after being struck by a vehicle while mowing grass.
“Next thing in know, I’m heading off in a helicopter,” said Mark Clinkenbeard.
” A friend called, and he said I don’t know what you’re doing, but if you’re home, Mark has been in an accident, and I think you should get down here,” said Dawn Clinkenbeard, Mark’s wife.
The accident caused Mark to lose a significant amount of blood.
“I lost about 2/3rds of my blood, had a bad hip and pelvic injury, and a ruptured spleen,” said Mark Clinkenbeard.
“The trauma surgeon came to talk to me right after his first surgery, that first night, and he said the normal adult male usually has 4.5 to 5.5 liters of blood and your husband lost between three and four liters of blood,” said Dawn Clinkenbeard.
Since then, he has been an advocate for blood donations, something he and his wife say saved his life.
“Without those blood products, and people willing to donate, I wouldn’t be here… It makes you want to give back and want to be able to be more involved in the community, and that’s what I try to do,” said Mark Clinkenbeard.
Dawn said blood donations are so important because blood cannot be manufactured.
“Number one, so few people do it. About 38% to 40% of the community can give blood, but only 5% do. So, that’s important right there. The other important thing is that it’s the product that can’t be manufactured. There is no fake substitute for it. It only comes from real people who are willing to give it,” said Dawn Clinkenbeard.
Mark said the terrifying situation didn’t just open his eyes to the importance of donating blood, but also gave him a second chance at life.
” I heard a really good analogy the other day. James Hinchcliffe, who was an IndyCar driver, had a horrible accident, lucky to be alive, and he said he looks at it like a second birthday. And so do I,” said Mark Clinkenbeard.
If you’re interested in donating blood and help save a life, Clinkenbeard said there will be a blood drive on June 24, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Vigo County Annex. He added that this is the fifth year they have held the drive and encourages everyone to come out and donate.
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