Donating blood and platelets can be an act of love. This February, we are spotlighting lovebirds Wayland and Kathy Clark, donors who exchanged their wedding vows on a We Are Blood mobile drive bus.
Wayland and Kathy Clark made donating blood together a regular date. Every 8 weeks, the bloodmobile bus would return to Dripping Springs and they would donate blood side by side. Their regular visits not only built upon their relationship but connected them with other regular donors and the mobile drive team.
Wayland explains, “We have really enjoyed not just donating blood, but we enjoyed seeing the same people on the bus and got to know them really well.”
On one visit, a member of the drive team speculated that the next time they would see Kathy, she would be sporting an engagement ring. Overhearing this remark, Wayland was struck by inspiration.
In honor of their commitment to saving lives, the two made local history when they exchanged vows on a bloodmobile following the December 1st blood drive. After they each had donated and the drive was complete, Kathy walked down the aisle – the bus aisle!
“Newly Wed And Newly Bled” was the title of the Austin American Statesman article that ran following the ceremony, and which celebrated their commitment to each other and their dedication to protecting the community blood supply.
Wayland shares of his years of donating with Kathy and We Are Blood, “It’s just been a blessing to donate together for so many years.”
Kathy adds, “It was good to be able to help people and feel like you’re contributing to the whole community.”
We Are Blood is fortunate to be a part of the Clark’s story – their love for each other and the love they have for our community.