Dwayne Collins
Donor

Dwayne Collins is a big man. And, he has a very big heart.

A member of our African American Task Force on Donation and a multi-gallon donor to RRVBC, he admits to having “needle phobia.” You might be surprised how many frequent donors actually have an innate fear of needles.

But, like many others, Dwayne says, “it just takes a little getting used to. I’m not the only big guy I know that doesn’t like needles. I just talk to people around me when I’m donating and it relaxes my mind.”

Dwayne’s need to help others is far more important to him than his fear of needles.  He was raised by his grandparents, who taught him early on that he must help others whenever he’s called.

“I just feel like it’s something I should do whenever I can. And, giving blood is really not hard. You just have to show up,” he says.

He’s well aware that he is in the minority as a donor.  So, he helps coordinate drives for the express purpose of recruiting more donors from the African American community. He never forgets the young cousin he lost to Sickle Cell Anemia. It brings home the importance of building the Marrow Registry and donating blood every time he thinks about the loss his family suffered.

Dwayne’s activism extends beyond his involvement with RRVBC. He has a positive impact on others in many areas of his life. He’s a member of the YMCA’s Black Achiever’s program, with an emphasis on youth outreach. He enjoys teaching kids about the positive things they can do with their time. “All kids are not cut out for college. It’s important to show all of them all of their options – all of their positive options.”

For 13 years, he’s participated in 100 Men Who Cook. Teriyaki Chicken, Deep Fried Turkey and White Chili are a few of his culinary specialties. But once again, Dwayne hits the kitchen as his way of helping the United Way, an organization he appreciates and respects.

The list goes on. He’s an Adjunct Instructor at Rock Valley College and helps students with remedial mathematics. “I get such a big kick out of seeing the occasional kid have a breakthrough with math. That’s so much fun – and so satisfying: for me and my student.”

Dwayne is a part of a Men’s Prayer Group, helps the Winnebago County Health Department’s Black Male Health group and serves lunch at the Rockford Rescue Mission.

We think of Dwayne as a heroic person. He thinks of himself as, “just an ordinary guy.”