By: Dawn Anderson, Public Affairs/Communications Volunteer

As a blood donor for over 40 years, the process has always provided a warm sense of giving back. I knew that each of my donations would eventually help save lives. When I walked into the donation center, rolled up my sleeve, donated and then ate more than my share of Nutter Butters, I left with a general sense of well-being and satisfaction without knowing who my donation helped.

But in October of 2024, as the kids say “it got real” for me. That was the month that someone else’s donation saved my 86-year-old mother who was battling a severe infection. Over the next two months, she received four units of blood which gave her the strength to survive two surgeries and two courses of intravenous antibiotics. As I listened to the doctors explain that she needed a transfusion, I realized that now, instead of providing a blood donation for someone, a generous donor was providing the donation for my mother. And I cannot begin to express my gratitude.

As a member of the Greater Atlanta Red Cross Board of Directors, I knew that we were fortunate. Over the course of the summer, the Red Cross faced a critical need for blood. In fact, only two months before my mother needed her first transfusion, the Red Cross was facing an emergency blood shortage after its national blood inventory plummeted more than 25% in July. Record-breaking heat was a significant contributor to blood collection challenges — along with other typical seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as vacation travel and summer activities. My mom was lucky. Strangers took an hour out of their day and donated blood. When she needed surgery to save her from succumbing to sepsis, their donations literally saved her life. Their gift meant she was back home playing bingo and Rummikub with her friends after spending four months in skilled nursing facilities. Their donation meant she was back in her regular seat at church Sunday morning. And, most importantly, their donation meant she was around during the holidays to meet and hold her first great-grandchild born in October.

To celebrate her recovery, I promptly opened my Red Cross app, scheduled my appointment and donated blood. I don’t know who will use my donated blood. But I know that the hour of my time may have given someone else more time with a loved one. The Red Cross makes it easy to schedule and donate. Simply download the Red Cross App, register and search for the closest blood donation center to you.

The need for blood donations is constant. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. In the time you have taken to read this article, approximately two people may have received a lifesaving transfusion. We cannot manufacture blood, there is no man-made substitute for your donation. The Red Cross has streamlined the process to allow you to quickly donate and get on your way. Make an appointment to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. 

What are you waiting for? Download the app, schedule your appointment and save a life. Your donation may give someone else the chance to hold their great-grandchild. You never know.