69-year-old grandad breaks record after donating over 30 gallons of blood
Dan Ryan (USA, b. 1 November 1956) has donated over 30 gallons (113.562 litres) of blood to the Red Cross – that’s equivalent to 344 cans of Coca-Cola!
His consistent contributions earned him the record for the most whole blood donated (male) in Malta, New York, USA, on 24 June 2025.
For context, the average adult has between 1.2 and 1.5 gallons (4.5–5.6 litres) of blood in their body.
Dan first donated blood in 1980 after his late brother convinced him to give it a go.
He told GWR: “My brother, who was a regular donor, and I worked in the same building and when they had a blood drive, he asked me to give it a try and explained how it helps others and that someday I may be one of those in need.
“It took him a few weeks but eventually I agreed and said yes.”
It wasn’t something Dan had considered before because he hated needles.
“I will add that in addition to the explanations, he also called me a ‘chicken’ and dared me,” he joked. “I guess whatever works.”
Recalling his first donation, the 69-year-old said: “The Red Cross personnel were excellent and they do everything possible to ease any fears.
“I remember my heart racing when they were going to put the needle in my arm. As with a lot of things though, the fear of the unknown was far worse that the actual donation.”
From this moment on, Dan became a regular donor.
In the last 46 years, he’s only ever taken an enforced three-year break after needing medication for malaria.
The American Red Cross – the world’s largest blood bank – give out milestone pins to their returning donors as a thank you for their live-saving contributions.
As of May 2026, Dan had amassed 32 milestone pins.
“For a long time, I just kept them in a drawer,” he explained. “However, about 15 years ago, I started doing woodcraft as a hobby, so I made a frame for them.
“I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to donate, but since I plan to donate as long as I can, I made the frame large enough to hold 40 pins.”
If Dan stays consistent with his donations, he’ll reach 40 gallons (151.416 litres) just before his 80th birthday.
Reflecting on his donations, Dan says it makes him feel great: “I’d like to think my donations are helping others in need.
“I’ve known several people who have had surgery, including my father who had open heart surgery.
“I also feel my donations and this honour are as much my brother’s as mine because none of this would have happened without him,” he added.
Read more inspirational stories like this in our Human Body section.
Dan described being a Guinness World Records title holder as “unbelievable”.
“I never knew there was a record for the most whole blood donations until I came across it accidentally while I was looking for something else.”
Dan realized he had given more blood than the record holder at the time and began working on his application.
The previous mark of 241 was set by India’s Paritosh Bagai on 20 February 2024.
“After hearing I had the record, I’m proud to say that my granddaughter (age 20) now wants to be a donor,” Dan shared.
“Who knows? Maybe she’ll hold the female donor record someday.”