Honoring a Father’s Legacy Through Blood Donation
For the De La Torre family, donating blood is more than just giving back. It’s a way to honor the memory of a beloved father, grandfather, and man who always put others first.
Described by his family as hardworking, faithful, patient, and deeply devoted to those he loved, Jesus De La Torre was the heart of the family.
His grandchildren were “the light of his eyes,” and he treasured every opportunity to bring the family together.
“He was a family man and a workaholic,” his daughter, Maria, shared. “He always wanted to help others.”
For more than a decade, Jesus lived with Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), a blood disorder that causes the body to produce too many platelets. Over time, the disease progressed into leukemia, and with that came a new reality for the family of regular blood and platelet transfusions.
Learning about the transfusion process was overwhelming at first, but throughout his treatment at Stanford, the family never had to worry about whether blood products would be available for him.
“Thanks to the blood center, my dad was always able to receive the blood and platelets that he needed,” the family said.
Watching what their father went through inspired several family members to become donors themselves. His son, daughter, and in-laws all began donating blood and platelets, turning it into something the family now does together.
Today, donating is one of the ways the family, in the featured image above, stay connected to his memory.
“I donate in honor of my dad because it makes me feel like I’m making a difference and helping someone,” Maria shared.
Helping others was something Jesus did naturally throughout his life. Even during treatment, he stayed positive, joyful, and curious, willing to help however he could. During appointments at Stanford, he often agreed to participate in studies or provide extra blood samples if it meant future patients might benefit.
Now, his family continues the spirit of giving not only through blood donation, but also by sharing his story whenever they can. His children and in-laws, who coach volleyball, even organize “Orange Night” team events in his honor to raise awareness about blood donation.
“My dad really enjoyed having the family together,” they shared. “That’s why we try to donate together whenever we can.”
As Father’s Day approaches, the De La Torre family hopes their story encourages others to donate blood if they haven’t already made it part of their lives.
“Don’t be afraid,” they said. “It doesn’t take very much time, and you can truly make a difference.”
And if their story inspires even one more person to donate, they know their father’s legacy of helping others will continue on.