Raymond Guillory and Gordon Buffington's Story

Two Texas Friends Share 40 Years of Life Saving Service

Raymond Guillory and Gordon Buffington have been loyal plasma donors since the late 1960s.

When Raymond Guillory and Gordon Buffington first started donating plasma in 1967, they had no idea it would be the beginning of a life-long relationship with a new family and fellowship with a community of donors. Eager to do their part for the greater good, they began a journey together to help families, and have amassed 40 years of loyal and dedicated giving.

Guillory, a construction lineman from Sulphur, Louisiana, had donated whole blood at the Beaumont Blood Center in Texas for the family member of a co-worker, and was identified as having a red cell antibody, the Anti-D. The blood center informed him that this antibody found in his plasma was needed to manufactured a vaccine that would help save newborn babies. Being a family man himself, Guillory wanted to help, but was unsure about the plasmapheresis procedure; of committing to donating plasma twice each week; and of receiving red blood cells from someone else to increase the strength of his antibody. A quick check with his doctor let Guillory know that the plasmapheresis process was safe and that donating plasma was a good thing.

Guillory donated his first unit of plasma in January, l968 and was the very first donor at newly founded Blood and Plasma Research, Inc. center in Beaumont. Guillory began working for the City of Vinton in l975 and began driving 80 miles, round trip, to Beaumont twice each week to donate after work. Since he retired from the City in l994, Guillory’s expertise is still very much in demand, for he continues to work for various companies and government agencies, as needed, and has worked especially hard since Hurricane Rita in September, 2005.

Guillory has always been an avid gardener, and collection center staff have benefited heartily from his talent. Squash and cucumbers are common items of his generosity during the summer, while turnip and collard greens from his garden grace the staff dining tables in the winter. Spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren is one of the things he cherishes most, but he still tries to make time for a little hunting and fishing now and then. At age 74, and with such a busy life, Guillory is still committed to the cause and, when he donates his plasma, one can be assured that his wife of more than 50 years, Gussie, will come, too.

When asked why he decided to become a donor, Guillory replied, "to help better humanity." He has reaped benefits, however, that he never would have imagined. He got to know the staff and other donors right away, and friendships of a lifetime were born. Raymond and the center staff have shared many life experiences together including the births of grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as the untimely death of one of the Guillory’s sons. In addition to the close friendships made with the collection center owners and staff, one of the many other friendships he has made during his years of service is with fellow donor, Gordon Buffington. Although Buffington didn’t have the antibody needed for Rh immune globulin, he learned that he was a good candidate for developing it, and that his plasma was needed for manufacturing Rh immune globulin. After being immunized several times and developing the Anti-D, Buffington, donated his first unit of plasma in January of l968.Buffington retired from Texaco in 2000, but continues to be very active. He loves to travel and has a powered parachute, which he takes around the country to fly at various events.

He also collects and enjoys shopping for antiques. His most recent toy, however, is a red l939 Chevy street-rod. He raises cattle as a hobby, enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren, and is famous for making Cajun gumbo, which he shares with the plasma collection center staff. When asked how being a plasma donor has affected his life, Buffington says he has been enriched by associating with the people there. He continues, saying that being with the staff is like being with his grandchildren. Even new donors eventually get the hang of it and fit in, he notes. Why does Buffington still donate? “Because of the need,” he insists. He also feels that donating is good for him; that it helps keep him young and in good physical shape. He says, too, that going into the center is like seeing and being with family several times a week.

Since 1968, Guillory and Buffington have witnessed many changes that have occurred in the plasma center over the decades, as a result of new diseases and improved technology, and have watched the industry evolve. As much as they appreciate all of the industry advances, both men really appreciate the simple things. Of note is the change to one venipuncture technique that is performed now, as opposed to the four that were required for plasmapheresis in l968, along with the automated pheresis procedure.

With 39 years of donating plasma for Rh immune globulin, Raymond Guillory and Gordon Buffington have silently and anonymously touched the lives of thousands of families worldwide. Their dedication is to help people; they believe that it is an opportunity and a responsibility, with no hourly parameter governing their willingness and generosity. And they continue to come and maintain the relationships developed over the decades, unique kinships that will keep them and others donating for years to come.