Alabama-Central Gulf Coast

Giving -- and receiving -- the Gift of Life

I am 27 years old and have been donating (both with the Red Cross and at local donor centers) since I was first eligible at age 17. I have always had positive experiences, and considered blood donation and raising awareness of the need for donors as my primary cause. My relationship with blood donation took an unexpected turn in February 2009, when after a routine, minor procedure, I was rushed into emergency surgery to correct internal bleeding that very nearly cost my life. I received four units of blood that day. I am so grateful (as are my three young children, the youngest of whom was 1 day old at the time) that the blood I needed was there. After years of my own donations, four strangers saved my life. I know that as donors, we don't see what happens after we walk away from the blood drive, but trust me. You are saving someone's mother, best friend, child, husband...you never know. To the four donors whose generosity kept me alive, and to everyone who gives, thank you. My now-16-month-old knows her mother's voice, face, touch, because of you and people like you. Thank you. Thank you all. Please keep saving lives. My post-transfusion deferral was up in mid-February, and I am back in the game, healthy and happy and so grateful for the gift of life!