With a rare combination of O negative and CMV negative blood, Leila Ludy's donations are crucial for babies who need life-saving transfusions. Leila’s selfless donations help ensure that the most vulnerable babies, who often have no other option, receive the care they desperately need. Photos by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross.
By DeAnne Todd/American Red Cross
Every day, the American Red Cross plays a critical role in saving lives by providing blood to hospitals across the country. Blood donations are vital to supporting a wide range of medical needs, from trauma care to cancer treatments and surgeries. But for some, blood donations are a lifeline in the most fragile moments of their lives — particularly for babies who need life-saving blood transfusions. The Red Cross ensures that these young lives, often too weak to fight on their own, receive the care they need, thanks to blood donors like Leila Ludy.
Ludy’s blood is as rare as it is lifesaving. A combination of both O negative and CMV negative, her blood type is crucial for babies in need of life-saving transfusions. CMV, or Cytomegalovirus, is a common virus that affects most people by age forty, but for babies, especially those with compromised immune systems, it can be fatal. CMV negative blood is a vital resource for these infants and Ludy’s unique blood type makes her one of the rare donors who can offer this life-saving gift.
For years, Ludy has donated blood every fifty-six days — a routine she sticks to despite a deep fear of needles. “I just get through it,” she says. “It’s too important.” While most people shy away from blood donation due to the discomfort, Leila’s commitment has never wavered. Her dedication has led to around five gallons of blood donated over the years, each donation contributing to the lives of countless individuals. However, it’s the babies who are the most vulnerable that her blood helps the most.
Ludy didn’t realize the full impact of her donations until she met a woman whose baby’s life had been saved by Red Cross blood. “I felt like a freaking superhero!” Ludy exclaimed after hearing how her blood had helped save not just one life, but an entire family. “I realized I wasn’t just donating blood. I was saving babies. I was giving families the chance to hold on to their children.”
Ludy is a true blood hero, donating every 56 days despite her fear of needles. Her commitment has contributed to around five gallons of blood over the years, but it’s her rare blood type that makes her an even greater hero. Her selfless donations help give babies a chance at life, making her an irreplaceable part of the Red Cross mission.
That moment made Ludy realize just how important blood donations are, especially for rare blood types like hers. Blood donations are critical for everyone, but the need for CMV negative blood — the type that can safely be given to babies — is even more urgent. You may be the rare person with this type of blood, and you could be the one to save a baby’s life.
Ludy encourages others with O negative blood to donate. “You can find out if you are also CMV negative,” she says. “It would be so great if everyone would just find out and then continue to donate. It’s a commitment, but one that is well worth it.”
Every day, the Red Cross sends pediatric blood products to hospitals across the country, ensuring that babies who need transfusions can receive them. If you have O negative blood, you may be the very rare person who can help save a baby’s life. Join Ludy and countless other donors in making a difference. Make your appointment today at redcrossblood.org and become a Hero for Babies.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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