A blood donation is one of the greatest gifts that a person can give. It is a selfless act that can have a long-lasting impact on another person’s life.
Susan, a committed Red Cross blood donor, regularly donated blood to help save the lives of others. Following one of her routine blood donation appointments, she received a message from the Red Cross that would help save hers.
Susan’s Story:
I came in and gave blood (like every 8-10 weeks). It seemed perfectly normal, and I felt perfectly normal. But, the day after my last donation, the Red Cross called me, and told me I should go to the doctor and have my blood tested. They told me that my white blood cell count was very high, and that it needed to be evaluated. I went to my family doctor, and then an oncologist/hematologist. They drew blood and finally drew bone marrow. I was diagnosed with Leukemia (CML) and this has been very difficult, but if the Red Cross hadn’t told me about my blood being abnormal, I would not have discovered this by myself. I had NO symptoms and it could have developed over a much longer period of time. I’ll never know how much of a difference that would have made, but I’m very grateful to have found it quickly, thanks to the Red Cross.
I won’t be able to give blood for a long time – if ever, but I have told this story to all of my students, colleagues, friends and family members. They all recognize how good it is to give blood – not only for victims who need blood, but for the blood donors themselves.
Visit RedCrossBlood.org to learn more about the blood donation process and to find a blood donation center near you.
1
2
1