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"Donors Are My Heroes..."

When I was 15 years old I was diagnosed with Lupus SLE and Rheumatoid arthritis. Along with this ‘wonderful’ disease I am anemic with a blood clot disorder. I had my first blood transfusion at All Children's Hospital when my iron count was down to a 7. At the age of 16 I fainted at work. When I woke up in the ambulance on the way to the hospital they told me they did not know how I was walking around. My blood count had dropped to a hemaglobin of 4 and they pumped blood into me immediately. I then began to receive transfusions at least 4 to 6 times a year. My blood type is O negative which is a very rare type and difficult in my understanding to keep stocked. I have a hematologist that prescribes an intravenous drug called Procrit and iron through my port to keep my blood count up, but sometimes I still loose blood.

Donors are my heroes and sort of like my family members I have never met. I do not know if I said everything I wanted to, but when I was first diagnosed they said it might not be possible for me to see 21. Because of donors who donated their blood, I have reached 32 and am married. Donors are not mandated to donate blood, but they do. I wish I could tell them personally thank you, because my life has been saved numerous times by unselfish strangers.

Xtavia Bailey, Bradenton

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"PLEASE CONSIDER ORGAN DONATION AS ANOTHER WAY TO SAVE A LIFE!"

I have been donating blood for about 20 years now. I had never thought about donating blood before, but when my now 21 year old son was born with liver disease that required him to have a liver transplant when he was only 18 months old, I thought "donating blood is something that I can do to help him and others with very little inconvenience to myself".

Any parent will tell you that when you have a sick/hospitalized child, you feel so helpless and useless in caring for them. Anyone who knows me is aware that I’m a "take-charge" kind of person and I don’t back down from a fight. But when your child is sick and in the hospital, you have absolutely no control over the circumstances and you have to rely solely on what the doctors tell you. It’s the most helpless feeling in the world!

Donating blood gave me some of that control back – it made me feel like I was helping, if not my own child, then someone else's child. It’s a very small sacrifice to make so that others can have a healthy and happier life.

We recently found out that my son now needs a kidney transplant and our family and friends pray every day that he will get his new kidney soon. So in closing, be kind to one another – make a small sacrifice and donate blood today. Also, please consider organ donation as another way to save a life! The world needs more "kind" people to make a difference for us all. YOU can be that difference by donating today!

Carolynn Russell

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Blood Donors Keep Families Smiling!

Ten year old Morgan was born prematurely at 34 weeks when her mother Shelby developed HELLP syndrome (Hemolytic anemia Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelet count). Mom’s blood counts were crashing so she was rushed from the delivery hospital to a trauma center. Once her condition was diagnosed, she immediately received multiple red blood cell and platelet transfusions to survive. Today they are the rest of their family are celebrating second chances made possible in part by volunteer blood donors.

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Like Daughter, Like Mother!

It was my first time donating blood. Carol was so nice taking my information and explaining everything to me. Then Leon got me set up to donate. He put me at ease. He made it not scary at all. We sang Christmas carols and I will never forget it. My daughter had given blood the day before at Dunedin High School and I thought if she could give, I would give it a try. Everyone was so nice - you have great people working for you. They are professional, friendly, knowledgeable & compassionate. They love what they do and it shows. I am here to tell people that it was a good experience and I will not hesitate to give blood in the future.

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"I Always Wanted To Do It..."

Patti Emminger was a first time O negative blood donor at Kindness Day, sponsored by the Florida Communications Group. "I tried before in my twenties and always wanted to do it. I am giving in honor of a friend who just lost her 16 year old daughter. She bled out at the hospital due to a severed artery. These FBS staff members are great and I will definitely be back," said Patti.

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Snippets from Donors and Recipients

Not much of a heroic story, but today, August 27, my husband and I donated blood together in one of your blood mobiles. Pretty cool, but only more significant since today is my birthday, and I was wanting to give a gift rather than receive a gift. Paying it forward!
Lorna, Wesley Chapel

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It was October 2001, and Caitlin had been dragging for weeks. At fourteen, she had just started her freshman year in high school. My husband and I thought her fatigue was related to her 5:00 a.m. wake-up time, and all the excitement and physical activity, until she mentioned some problems with her menstrual cycle. We were sent for blood work, and by the time six vials were filled, Caitlin had just about wilted. I had to nearly carry her back to the car. Alarmed, we drove directly to her pediatrician, who ran a CBC—and sent us immediately to the hospital across the street. Her platelet count was 2K! At the hospital, things happened quickly. In short order, she was in a room, threaded with needles and tubes. Caitlin received 2 units of whole blood among other things. More needles and anxious waiting, then a tentative diagnosis of ITP. In remission for nine years now, Caitlin doesn’t like to talk about those months with ITP and tries to behave as if it never happened. But because of her experiences, she asked her Dad and me to become blood donors, to repay what she needed. As it turns out, I am O- and CMV-; they save my blood for preemies. I’ve donated more than five gallons, now, and want to just kick myself for the all the years I kept my blood to myself.

Ann, Tampa

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Our 21 month old daughter Isabella was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on August 13. She's received 6 blood transfusions and 4 platelet transfusion in the past 3 weeks and probably will require more in the future. I cannot begin to express how grateful we are that the blood was readily available to her within a moments notice. My husband and I have always tried to donate whenever possible in the past, but being on the other side of the donation really makes you realize how important it is. Thank you so much to Florida Blood Services and everyone who takes the time donate.

Christine, New Port Richey

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A couple of years ago, a co-worker got sick & needed a partial hysterectomy. She had lost a lot of blood & had to be given blood before her procedure. After this was over for her, I thought about her situation & decided that I wanted to give for others like her. I've never regretted my decision & love being of service for the cause.

Cheryl, Tallahassee

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I started donating blood 13 years ago when my son, Evan, was diagnosed with leukemia. After two bone marrow transplants and a year of medical treatments, he lost his battle just before his 4th birthday. I miss him every day and will never get over losing him. He received countless pints of blood during his illness and it made me realize how important it is to donate. He was given a little longer on this earth thanks to anonymous donors and now it is my turn to help others. When I saw how much plasma he used, I knew it was imperative that I donate because the need is endless. Whenever people ask me about donating, I encourage them with my story reminding them that their donating might help a little child suffering from leukemia, an accident victim or other people who need blood donations to survive. Each year my family and I participate in the Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia Society and I proudly wear a blood donor shirt every time. It's my duty and my pleasure to help in this small way. Anyway, it's the one donation that doesn't cost any money - just a little bit of time.

Christine, Tampa

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My Grandfather is very ill from cancer and I would really like to donate blood just because if it was not of others blood he would no longer be with us..... He has needed a lot of blood and Platelets and I want to be able to help any one that may be in his position as well! Thank you for your time.

Leo, Ruskin

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I love being a blood donor. When and where else can you be a super hero in a reclining position AND get cookies? To do good, to save a life gives me hope that in my life I will go on to do more good and give something positive to another human being. I am unemployed, in my 12th year of living with chronic pain (which limits career paths I might embark upon). I think volunteering is best in light of the fact that I can't make a cash donation (unless, of course, the Lotto lines up in my favor.) Well, that's my story.

Shiela, Tampa Bay

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Every time I see a bloodmobile I go in and give blood. I fell it's the right thing to do it is so easy it only takes 30 mins of my time. I fell good that I help someone in need. The tech that take the blood are all so nice, friendly and do there job well.

Theresa, Tampa

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I know the value and how many people rely on blood donations. While I am very fortunate to not be one that needs it, I am very thankful to be a donor. I am blessed that I was raised in a family that taught me to cherish giving and be thoughtful of others. I realize as I grow older that many families do not instill this trait or practice giving then wonder why the culture turns selfish. I believe the mobile blood mobile is great and convenient as I get too busy to stop at the office, but can pop in to donate on the spur of a moment. The service is quick and the employees are always so helpful and friendly. Thank you for helping me be a giver!

Traci, St. Petersburg

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COURTNEY’S WINNING STORY...

If I had $100 to donate to a charity I would give it to the Florida Blood Services. My twin brother and I were born 9 weeks premature. I only weighed 3 pounds 5 ounces. My body went through many blood tests. I still have faint circular marks on my heels. I was given blood twice: once from an unknown person who cared so much just to help someone out and once from my Aunt Brenda through direct blood donation. My brother was only given blood once from my Papa. We are both very thankful for those donations.

If my twin brother and I did not get blood, we would have died. My brother and I were given the gift of life through the Florida Blood Services. It only took 15 minutes to save two lives. With the $100 the Florida Blood Services could advertise more. It could persuade many more people to donate blood to help someone in need. It could also be used to pay for gasoline, so instead of the blood van driving 3 miles they could drive 6 miles. The staff could also wear Florida Blood Service shirts to advertise "on the go," people would be like, "Hey maybe I should donate blood!" The donation could really help and would be really worth it.

Florida Blood Services says that even one donation of blood can help up to three people who really need it. I am full proof of this donation, their hard work and effort. So that is why I chose Florida Blood Services to get my $100 donation.

(Courtney just completed 3rd grade at Shore Acres Elementary school in St. Petersburg. She won her class’s essay contest with the above testimony. She presented her $100 check award to FBS and her grateful parents graciously matched it with one of their own!)

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ROY RICHARDS - A LIFESAVING LEGACY

Roy Richards began his career as a blood donor in 1947, by giving on bloodmobiles in Wisconsin that came to his workplace. They did not visit as often as he wanted to donate, so he began to travel every 8 weeks to the Milwaukee Donor Center. Having type A positive blood, they recruited him to start donating platelets when that bedside, cell separating technology was invented. In 2001, Roy and his wife Sylvia moved to Sarasota Florida, where he continued to share his “Gift of Life” by donating platelets 24 times a year. It is now the year 2011 and Roy, who is 83 years young, has given over 134 gallons of whole blood and platelets, saving or sustaining well over 1,000 patient lives! Roy’s 64 years of giving is a real legacy to living and he is not done yet!

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Tiffney Davis, Outstanding FBS Donor Chairperson
at Met Life in Tampa Wins National Award!

For almost 63 years, saving lives has been at the heart of MetLife’s Corporate Blood Program. What began as a grassroots blood donor recruitment effort now helps support blood banks across the U.S., and serves as a model for other blood drive efforts countrywide. In recognition of those who lead MetLife’s lifesaving efforts today, the blood program recently hosted its annual reception in New York to thank its volunteers, drive coordinators and partners.

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Blood Donors Save Lives and Families!

"After follow-up with the doctor, we were told not to hold out too much hope for this pregnancy. The baby had implanted very low and it didn’t look like a viable pregnancy. Well, the baby continued to hold on. I was diagnosed with Placenta Previa and Accreta. The morning of May 16, 2010, I woke up to a huge gush of blood. I immediately knew things were going wrong and woke up Dan with, 'Dan, I am bleeding! Oh my word! I don’t want to die!'"

"I remember being prepped for the c-section and then I was out. OUT FOR 3 DAYS! After my c-section, my abdomen started filling up with blood. Four more surgeries were performed to try and get the bleeding to stop. I was given over 170 units of blood and plasma; brought by helicopter and car. The bleeding was finally stopped. I had been on life support from Sunday evening until Tuesday afternoon."

“Thanks to lots of prayers, blood donors and a great medical team, I am alive to raise my children and grow old with my husband. I have a new daughter, Gianna Grace, another miracle! I know it took me some time to bond with her because of not being with her for nearly 3 weeks. But we have a bond like no other…neither of us was supposed to make it and God had other plans.”

Kathleen Gilbertson

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New Century Club Donor Laura Henley Tells Her Story!

"I was 17 when a beloved uncle experienced an aneurysm. At less than 100 pounds (oh for those days), I could only give a half pint. With required parental permission, I made my first blood donation. Through the years I gave when convenient, but when apheresis became known in the mid 80's I became more focused on regular giving. A cousin experienced cancer and underwent a bone marrow transplant, which reinforced the value of donating. In less than 2 hours, every 2 weeks, I can help another human being to continue life or improve its quality. People often say they don't give because they don't like needles. I respond "I do" and they're startled. The momentary "stick and a sting" is minor. The donation, however, may mean life to someone else."

Laura Henley, 100+ gallon donor

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Thank you for my life...

I want to thank you for the service you provide. I used to give blood before I had treatments that made me have to wait before I could give again and I never thought much about where it went after the donation. The Saturday before Thanksgiving I found out exactly where it goes. I had internal bleeding and a hemoglobin of 3. I was put in intensive care and given five bags of blood and three bags of iron. I am certainly glad that those five people decided to give blood and I want to thank you all for providing such an excellent service. Thank you for my life.

Brownie Allen

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New Year Resolutions Kept

Becoming a blood donor is one of three new year resolutions that I have kept. My daughter had a liver transplant 16 years ago, so I value the precious gift of blood. I still have that beautiful child who is now 33, completed her masters degree and is working for a Fortune 500 company. Without this gift of life, I wouldn't have the pleasure of watching my baby girl grow up into a fascinating woman.

Diane - Valrico

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La Sangre Es La Salsa De La Vida!

"In June 2009 my 12 year old Klarissa was diagnosed with Leukemia. She was very ill and required numerous blood and platelet donations......so many I lost count. Without these transfusions we would not have our daughter today. She is still being treated and although we don't know for certain what the future will hold for her, we know she is alive today due to God's favor and the blood products she received.

I would stare at the bag of lifesaving blood that hung over my daughter's head each time she received the blood, drip by drip, and wonder whose blood she was receiving. Who had been so generous to give some of their 'life' away for my daughter? How I wished I could hug them and thank them for giving so my daughter could live. Whoever you are, thank you. You have made all the difference for my family. Your generosity is appreciated more than words can express." Marta Cortez

Klarissa's dad, Jose is a 16 gallon donor and continues to give so that others will live.

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"BE STRONG AND OF GREAT COURAGE!"

"Joshua's story began in the fall of 2008. What we thought was a bronchial cough turned into T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia," wrote his mother, Renee Gandy. "When Joshua was diagnosed, he had a very large tumor roughly the size of my hand and about 2 inches thick sitting on top of his chest and starting to wrap around his heart. He started to receive chemotherapy drugs and the tumor immediately started to shrink so fast that it released toxins into his body requiring dialysis. After only 3 days the tumor was gone and he was in total remission by day 8 of treatment! Joshua no longer has cancer cells in his blood, but still needs chemotherapy until March of 2012."

"Different drugs during each of the five phases of his cancer treatment caused his blood and platelet counts to drop dangerously low requiring a total of 19 transfusions so far. Joshua's motto is 'Be Strong and of Great Courage!' Joshua and I and the rest of our family are happy and thankful for those of you who have donated. You were strong and courageous just like Joshua. For all those O negs out there...a special thanks...your blood could have been given to Joshua!!!"

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Blood Donors Save Lives...and Families!

Madison Cavanaugh (seated on stool) was a completely healthy little girl until she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in the fall of 2008. Upon going to All Children's Hospital she was immediately given 3 blood transfusions because her red blood cell count was dangerously low. Due to her cancer treatments, she has needed over 10 additional units of blood and platelets.

"If there were no blood products to give Madison," said her mother Lisa, "and if the technology today wasn't present then, she would not be with us today. We are extremely grateful to everyone who donates this lifesaving product."

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PAYING IT FORWARD

"I used to give blood because it was the responsible thing to do. Now I give blood for people like my son who was shot two times at work in Tampa in November 2008, and my wife who came in contact with the Flesh Eating Bacteria, Meningococcal in August of 2009. Both were saved by many blood donors. Thank you FBS for being there to support!"

Sincerely,

Gene McGinnis
3 Gallon Donor

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Bill Harrier: Blood Donor & Recipient

After organizing several annual Celebration of Life blood drives for The Joy FM each January and donating blood, it’s different being on the other side of the bag.

"I was at my computer typing and sneezed real hard … and then went to the bathroom, looked in the toilet and it was all blood. I told my wife, Cheryl, that I had a problem. When she saw all the blood, she told me we were leaving for the ER immediately. At the hospital they diagnosed me with internal bleeding. For the next 18 hours I continued to pass a large amount of blood. My blood count got down to 9.3. My doctor had ordered blood if my level dropped below 9.5. I, who had been a donor of blood, became that day a recipient of a unit of blood. My blood count did get back above 10, but was at 9.7 when they released me after several days of tests. I did not realize the weakness and lightheadedness that could come – but I did lose quite a bit, and they were prepared for a 2nd unit I was told."

"It’s different being on the other side of the bag...and to be home. Thank you donors for making sure blood was there when I needed it most."

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DREAMS DO COME TRUE

"In August 2006, I was diagnosed with aplastic anemia. After that I started receiving blood and platelet transfusions every week at Lee Memorial hospital in Ft. Myers to stay alive. Quite literally, the people who donated blood saved my life. I was kept alive through these transfusions for two years until I could receive my stem cell transplant at Moffitt Cancer Center in June 2009. I spent three and a half months at the Hope Lodge on the campus in Tampa after my stem cell transplant and received more blood and platelets there. Now, whenever I see a bloodmobile I stop and thank the donors so they can see the face of someone whose life was saved by them." - Tracy Smith

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Sing and Celebrate Life!

Fiorella Paredes was only 2 years old when she was ill and taken to a hospital in Sarasota. After taking X-Rays, the doctors there said that they could not give her the care she needed and sent her to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. Fiorella had a very severe case of pneumonia and the doctors at All Children's drained her lungs and gave her a blood transfusion to help her recover. After almost 3 weeks in the hospital, she returned to Lakewood Ranch. She now lives the happy life of an 8 year old thanks in part to an anonymous blood donor sharing their "Gift of Life."

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A RETIREMENT TO REMEMBER!

In the spring of 2010, after 20 years of working at Manatee Community Blood Center and Florida Blood Services, Daphne Morris was ready to retire and enjoy spending more time with her husband Harold. Little did she know that more time with him would be mostly at the hospital! Between March and July, Harold was in the hospital 6 different times for a variety of surgeries and other treatments. In total, he received 11 blood components from FBS donors.

"I always knew that the work we did at MCBC/FBS was important," said Daphne, "but I really came to appreciate it so much more when blood helped to save Harold's life." "Each time he needed a transfusion the blood components were always there. It was so comforting to know that they were available and done right by all of our staff, both front line and behind the scenes," said Daphne. "Some staff do not appreciate the value of what they do everyday so I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of them. May God bless you as you go about helping to save lives." Harold and Daphne Morris

Daphne and Harold are now ready to begin a real 'retirement to remember' with Harold's new lease on life thanks to our vital FBS donors and staff members!

Organ transplant recipient Kristine Berry points to the plasma and platelets her sister Chelsea donated recently at our Kennedy Donor Center in Tampa. Kristine had multiple transfusions before, during and after her kidney and pancreas transplant. Chelsea has donated over 5 gallons of blood and platelets so far to help other patients in their fight for life.

The blood components of plasma and platelets are critical in the treatment of many patients, including those with cancers and bleeding disorders as well as burn victims. Blood donors with types A or B positive blood are encouraged to donate in this special way as platelets only have a 5 day shelf life and are always in demand, whereas we seldom have shortages A or B positive red blood cells. Donors with type AB blood have universal donor plasma that is critical in the treatment of trauma patients. By giving just plasma or platelets with a concurrent plasma they can best meet patient needs.

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TRANSPLANT SUCCESSFUL

Multi-gallon FBS blood donor Rodney Ford, from Brandon, was recently a match and donated one of his kidneys to his wife Syrita. The transplant surgery was done at Tampa General Hospital, where more blood components are transfused annually than at any other hospital in Tampa Bay. During her surgery and recovery, Syrita needed red cells and plasma from over 100 FBS donors! Syrita is back to work with a new dialysis free lease on life and Rodney is back to work waiting to be eligible to donate blood again!!