By: Ronnika A. McFall, APR, Public Affairs/Communications Volunteer

Lisa Glynn, a dedicated blood donor to the American Red Cross since her college days, found herself in serious need of the organization's biomedical services in 2021 and also realized the need to pay it forward.

“You may be busy, you may be scared of needles, you may not understand the ramifications if you don’t donate. To say it’s important is a dramatic understatement. Look at me. Because of a stranger, I live,” said Glynn.

The turning point came when Glynn, dealing with continuous hemorrhaging, discovered the gravity of her situation. Unbeknownst to her, she had a potentially life-threatening low hemoglobin count. Three blood transfusions were a prerequisite to get her ready for needed surgery. Then she had to have two more units transfused the day before it. 

“I felt immensely grateful for the opportunity to finally undergo the surgery. The urgency of the situation made waiting another day impossible, so being able to proceed with the blood transfusions filled me with profound appreciation,” said Glynn. 

The surgery was lifesaving but also unveiled a devastating diagnosis: Leiomyosarcoma (LMS), an exceptionally rare and aggressive smooth muscle sarcoma. Glynn's LMS treatment continues today. A recurrent tumor required another surgery. She endured three ineffective chemotherapy plans. The fourth chemotherapy plan initiated a cascade of events, landing Glynn in the hospital on New Year's Eve, ushering in 2024, where she stayed for the next 17 days.

What began as a simple cold had escalated into mucositis, inflammation of the mucous membrane and a complication of her chemotherapy. Then Glynn faced another blow — a diagnosis of aplastic anemia (AA). Her bone marrow wasn’t producing enough new blood cells, necessitating six platelet transfusions and six blood transfusions within 16 days. 

“My husband and five children were my constant support during those days. I cannot fully express how it feels to be in a hospital room and have those you love beside you, whether that was sleeping in a chair next to me or constantly on the phone with me, holding me up when I couldn’t hold myself up,” said Glynn.

She also gravitated to her belief in God. “My faith holds a significant place in my life, especially during times of sickness, when I find myself leaning even more deeply into its comforting embrace.”

Her ability to check out of the hospital and embrace life again was a testament to her determination and positivity, the support she received from her family and the generous individuals who donated blood and platelets. Glynn felt well enough to accompany her husband on a recent business trip to New York City. She walked 35 miles in two days.

Her friends rallied behind her and hosted an “In Honor Of” blood drive in their neighborhood. Everyone wore purple ribbons and held up a cutout photo of Lisa’s face on a stick, or as they called it, ‘Kika on a stick,’ as she is affectionately known by her nickname.

Still living with cancer today, Glynn urges others to donate blood, emphasizing the tangible difference it made in her life. Her plea is born from a deep appreciation for the volunteers who took the time to roll up their sleeves and contribute a part of themselves.

Glynn is paying it forward for others in need of blood products by hosting a virtual blood drive. She is calling on people to donate blood and platelets from March 2024 to March 2025 in her name, hoping to reach 500 units. To contribute to her goal, you can sign up to donate blood at a drive or collection center near you at redcross.org/FightWithLisa. The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood.

To make an appointment to give blood or platelets, donors can also use the Red Cross Blood App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

How to donate blood

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

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.