03/24/2026
During National Women’s History Month, we’re proud to celebrate an extraordinary milestone and an even more extraordinary woman.
Deborah “Debbi” Makarenko reached her 250th platelet donation with Atlanta Blood Services, becoming the first female donor to achieve this incredible milestone.
Her journey began in 2018, when she stepped up to help a close friend battling a rare blood cancer. What started as an act of friendship quickly became a lifelong mission. Even after her friend recovered, Debbi kept showing up—again and again—for patients she may never meet.
With each donation, Debbi provides up to three units of platelets, helping multiple patients undergoing chemotherapy, transplants, and other life-saving treatments. Over the years, she has supported several patients who are friends or neighbors and today, they are all in recovery!
She’s a familiar and beloved face at our donor center. Always arriving prepared with snacks, her iPad, and a heart ready to give.
This milestone celebration was made even more special when her husband, Nik, joined her for his very first platelet donation on her special day!
A proud new grandmother, Debbi hopes her example will inspire the next generation to lead with compassion and generosity.
Debbi, thank you for showing us the power of one person to make a life-saving difference—250 times over. 💙
Join Debbi and the other platelet heroes who give time for others by donating platelets. 404-459-8744
