Illinois State Representative Charles E. Meier said on May 12 that he marked Mother’s Day by donating blood in memory of his mother. Meier, who is a CMV-negative and O-positive universal donor, said this blood type is often used for premature babies or other ill children.
Meier explained the significance of his gesture: “I hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day,” said Rep. Meier. “In memory of my mother, this year I went to give blood. I am a CMV-negative and O-positive universal donor, and this blood type often goes to premies or other ill children. I hope my donation will go to help a new mother somewhere get their child the blood they need.”
After giving blood, Meier visited his mother’s grave and left fresh flowers from his family’s farm. “After I donated, I visited my mom’s grave to give her fresh flowers from the farm from my great grandmothers rose bush,” he said.
Meier was elected as a Republican to the Illinois State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 109th House District, replacing previous state representative David Reis, according to the American Financial Services Association.
Meier encouraged others interested in learning about universal donors like himself to find more information about this blood type.
