By Michael Bowman

Too often, people postpone seeking medical care for personal health issues. For Sherry Phillians, the wait almost proved fatal.

The holiday season can be a busy time for everyone, especially someone who is a mom and teaches school. Sudden health issues only complicated Sherry’s hectic schedule.

“I was a young mother and busy,” said Sherry. “I was a music teacher and a theater teacher.” In 2004, Sherry was preparing for a school Christmas play that occupied much of her time, along with all her responsibilities as a mom. During this time, she began having bleeding issues requiring a visit to her gynecologist. Despite her condition, Sherry postponed seeking medical attention. “I was really losing a lot of blood. But I kept thinking, I'll go see my doctor after the play is over.”

Soon after the play concluded, Sherry was on her way to her doctor with her husband when something went terribly wrong. Instead of just an ordinary doctor’s visit, she was suddenly rushed to a hospital emergency room.

“I was on my way to see my gynecologist and my husband said I died,” said Sherry. They got me to the emergency room, and I did the same thing again. Just no pulse, no nothing. And then as I was being admitted, I did it again.”

After conducting a series of tests, Sherry’s doctor expressed his amazement at her condition. “Sherry, I've seen people with gunshot wounds that had more blood in their body than you have in your body. I don't know how you're alive, but we're starting blood now.”

Doctors immediately administered blood transfusions. Thanks to this life-saving action, Sherry walked out of the hospital only days later with a new perspective on life. “I'm here because somebody donated blood.”

Prior to her medical emergency, Sherry had been a blood donor but wanted to do more. She now spends her free time volunteering with the American Red Cross as a blood donor ambassador and helps with blood drives at her church and the local community hospital in her hometown of Wynne, Arkansas.

Donors anxious to give blood are glad to see Sherry’s friendly face. “I’ve lived in this community 40-plus years and I taught school. A lot of people know my face. I talk to them, ask how their family is and just try to make them feel comfortable. It was just something I was comfortable doing and believed in. And as a recipient of blood donations, I should help other people and make the process easier for them. I am going to be the hands of Jesus somewhere in my day. And that's just one of the ways that I feel I'm needed.”

As someone who experienced firsthand the importance of how important blood donations in saving lives, Sherry expresses her gratitude to each donor at blood drives. “I always make sure I say, ‘thank you for your gift.’ It sounds cliche, but it's the gift of life.”