By Tony Jones
Linda Bielarski of Williamsport, Maryland is a state employee with a firm understanding of her role as a public servant. She is passionate about helping others and saving lives. It’s something she’s done as a Red Cross blood donor for many years.
“I first donated blood in high school when I turned 18 back in 1979. I’ve been a regular giver ever since,” Linda said. “It’s seems like a good thing to do. I figured this is my little way of giving back.”
A couple of years ago Linda also began donating platelets. During her donation journey, she’s experienced a couple of setbacks. Her boyfriend (now husband) came down with Hepatitis C which disqualified her from donating for ten years. Then she came down with COVID in December 2020, which forced her to miss a year-end donation. Despite that, Linda remains committed to donating the gift of life during this holiday season and hopes others will do the same.
“People are so caught up in the holidays and they kind of forget about donating. So, I do think they need a reminder of how important it is,” said Linda.
Linda’s right. The American Red Cross is facing one of the worst shortages of available blood at this time of the year, in over ten years. 12,500 pints of lifesaving blood need to be collected every day to meet the needs of patients at about 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. Those eligible can safely donate every 56 days. Platelets can be given as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year. Linda knows blood donations are especially critical when it comes to helping a family member fight cancer.
“My brother-in-law has had 3 different cancers since he was 20; he's now 69 and there's a good chance he has cancer again,” said Linda. “He's beaten cancer each time and we're hopeful he will beat it again if he has it.”
Linda hopes to finish 2021 by completing her donation goal and adding her name to a rather prestigious list.
“I want to get my name on the plaque in the Frederick Maryland Chapter office and continue that next year as well,” said Linda. “I almost got my name on the plaque last year but COVID left me one donation short. There aren’t a lot of women listed on the plaque, so I’d like to put another female name on there.”
Her ultimate wish is for everyone to Give With Meaning by rolling up their sleeves to help others.
“You just never know when you or someone in your family is gonna need some blood. That’s the best reason to give!”
You can #GiveWithMeaning this holiday season by registering to donate at redcross.org/blood.