Guinea pig

— Diana Badley Laurel Advocate

LAUREL — “There is power in the blood.” 

The victory hymn was written by Lewis E. Jones in 1899. It has been sung and rearranged by numerous artists and musicians since its birth. 

Laurel resident Carrol Lipp has probably played his version of it on his harmonica for family, friends, neighbors, and passerbys. More than that, though, he truly knows that there is definitely power in the blood.

While Lipp’s blood is not that of The Lamb of God, it does have some unique characteristics that have drawn the attention of doctors and researchers all across the world. 

The journey of discovering just how unique and albeit powerful Lipp’s blood began in 1972 when Lipp and five others including his brothers Frank and Art, went to Missouri to donate blood for a friend who had an operation. 

“We went down to donate so her family wouldn’t have to pay for blood,” he said. “They ended up only accepting blood from three of us because the others had been exposed to various things like malaria in the war.”

Lipp’s blood type is unique. It is O negative and is Tn activated. 

“Picture this: blood is a six-story house. Mine is missing the fourth floor. It’s perfect for research,” he said. “At the time they found out about this, there were only about a dozen people in the world who were healthy enough to research this blood type.”

An unknown fact about blood is that in one day blood can travel 12,000 miles inside of the body. 

Lipp’s blood has done that much traveling plus some outside of the body, as well. Samples of his blood have been sent to England, Germany, Tokyo, Czecloslavachia, Georgia, and Chicago to be researched.

One of his most notable research moments is when he sent blood to be researched in London, England at Guy’s Hospital. 

They discovered that his blood cells were resistant to malaria. 

The next goal was to figure a way to combat malaria. 

“God gave me this blood, so any money they send me goes to charity. I did get a t-shirt once, and I thought that was a nice way for them to say thank you,” he said.

In the spring of 1986, Chicago doctor George Springer contacted Lipp who was in Billings, Montana at the time. 

The research center flew Lipp to Chicago, put him up at a motel, and took some blood to separate the platelets and research. This particular doctor figured out that in order to effectively treat cancer, early detection is necessary. 

“I’m a guinea pig. It’s been a journey.” said Lipp.

Most recently, Lipp began donating blood again through LifeServe blood mobile. 

About five years ago they had told him he needed to stop donating, but didn’t give him an explanation. Earlier this summer he called and inquired why. He then had three vials taken as samples and they called and okayed him again for donation. 

“This 96 year old is back in business,” he chuckled.

To keep himself healthy, Lipp exercises daily when he can. 

He also enjoys creating wooden treasures for family and friends and is also looking forward to the day when he can shoot pool at the Laurel Senior Center once again.

His Christian faith has played a major role in how he has lived his life for 96 years, as well. 

“There is power, power, wonder-workin’ power

In the blood of the Lamb.

There is power, power, wonder-workin’ power

In the precious blood of the Lamb.” 

Lipp knows this tune well. It’s a part of his life.

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