Student extern donates blood to honor late father

Not even the stress of finals week could stop Fernando Langer from giving blood. That’s how strongly the importance of giving back is ingrained in him.

This deep sense of service was established by Fernando’s father, Harald. Long before he was an accounting student extern at MD Anderson or a busy college senior cramming for final exams at the University of Houston, Fernando was inspired by his dad.

“I was raised to always be involved in my community, to give back,” he says. When Fernando began donating blood as a student at Clear Brook High School, part of our community blood donation programs, his dad was proud. “It made him happy when I showed initiative to help others,” Fernando says. “He was the one who motivated me.”

Now, Fernando wants to motivate others.

Father’s melanoma treatment provided unique perspective

Supporting his father through melanoma treatment while working as a student extern gave Fernando a unique perspective. While working at MD Anderson on Fridays during the spring semester, Fernando could check in on his father if he was having an inpatient procedure or visit. The experience was bittersweet.

“I saw the whole process with my dad from my family’s side, and I saw the constant care and work that went on behind the scenes,” he explains. This made Fernando realize the value he could have for patients like his dad.

He describes the ways he gives of himself as “two-fold.”

As an extern, he works to ensure efficiencies in institutional finance, budgeting and supply chain initiatives in support of nursing.

As a long-term blood donor, he gives the gift of life.

“I didn’t realize being O-positive meant I was so important,” he says, noting his blood type is the most prevalent among the U.S. population. “That makes it even more important to give blood. There’s so much good I can do and so many people I can help.”

Fernando switched his undergraduate major from nursing, ultimately choosing to dual major in management and finance. His goal is to earn a master’s degree in health care administration and work his way up into an administrative position at MD Anderson.

“I definitely want to stay here,” he says. “Between this experience and everything with my dad, I’ve found my passion. I love knowing that I’m part of something bigger.”

Finding the time to give blood

“You never know when your health or the abilities you take for granted could be taken away from you or someone you love,” Fernando says. “Giving just 15 minutes of your time to donate blood could save someone else’s life.”

When it comes to scheduling, Fernando always puts his donation appointments on his calendar.

“The emails from MD Anderson Blood Bank definitely help,” he says. “I always watch for the reminders of when it’s time, and I make it work.”

Gratitude for extra time – and MD Anderson

As a student extern, Fernando understands that every employee plays a crucial part in our collective goal to end cancer. Though Harald passed away at the end of April, Fernando is grateful for the extra time MD Anderson gave them.

“When he was first diagnosed, they only gave him six months,” Fernando says. “But thanks to the amazing people at this hospital, with experimental treatments and clinical trials, that was extended to 18 months.”

Illness is something every family deals with in some way, he says.

“But when it happens to your family, you ask yourself, ‘Who else is going to help? It’s up to me,’” Fernando says. “My dad was a very selfless person. I dedicate it to him every time I give, but I also know I could be helping someone else’s dad. That’s the thing that keeps me going.”

Schedule your appointment at MD Anderson Blood Bank today.