Every blood donor is important, but Shellien Gilliland’s donations are especially impactful.

Shellien’s blood is CMV negative, which is essential for patients with weakened immune systems, including newborns. CMV-negative blood comes from donors who have not been exposed to cytomegalovirus, which is similar to the virus that causes chickenpox or cold sores. CMV is generally harmless to adults but can be fatal to babies.

Most adults are exposed to CMV at some point in their lives, and up to 85 percent have CMV by age 40, making CMV-negative blood – often called baby blood -- in short supply and high demand.

But it’s not just babies that Shellien is helping when she rolls up her sleeve.

The Twin Falls woman’s blood also contains CEK-negative antigens, which is the best match for those battling sickle cell disease. Extremely painful, sickle cell is the most common genetic blood disorder in the U.S., impacting more than 100,000 people, the majority of which are of African-American descent.

Sickle cell patients often require frequent transfusions and are susceptible to transfusion reactions if not matched precisely with CEK-negative blood. This match helps minimize the development of antibodies that cause complications after repeated transfusions.

And because her blood has 16 rare properties, Shellien is also part of the rare donor program.

“I won the blood lottery,” Shellien joked. “If any of those specific properties are needed, I have agreed any time I can be called up to donate.”

A donor since she was 18 and a past Red Cross board member, Shellien follows in her grandmother’s footsteps. Her grandmother was a longtime Red Cross volunteer and blood donor and helped with Twin Falls-area blood drives. Shellien has her grandmother’s Red Cross pins, including her 50-year service pin, and cherishes her giving legacy.

“I adored her,” Shellien said.

Shellien first donated blood during a college drive in Twin Falls, though it didn’t exactly go as planned. Before the drive, she went up and down the halls of her dorm encouraging others to join her. About six agreed, and to the cafeteria they went to give blood.

“They did just fine, and I ended up throwing up in the garbage can by the treats,” Shellien said.

But one rocky experience didn’t discourage Shellien. She stuck with it, discovering that if she drank juice as she donated she felt just fine. She also switched to giving Power Reds, a donation process that separates the red blood cells from the other components and then safely returns plasma and platelets to the body. Power Red donations give nearly twice the amount of red cells, helping more patients and also uses a smaller needle, which has worked better with her veins.

Now 56, she has donated more than six gallons of lifesaving blood and has inspired her daughter to give as well.

 “All you have to do is show up,” she said. “I don’t have to change my diet. I don’t have to change my lifestyle. I don’t have to do anything but just show up and do some good.”

She said that many people mistakenly believe they are unable to give.

“People have misconceptions that they can’t donate, either because of medications or medical history,” she said. “So just reverify because things change all the time.”

And when she gives the gift of life, she said she also benefits.

“I believe it’s not only helping save somebody else’s life but potentially making my own life better and healthier,” she said. “Once you do it, you realize it’s not that big of a deal.”

DONATE LIFESAVING BLOOD

Every two seconds, someone in this country needs lifesaving blood, including patients across Idaho. To find a blood drive near you and make an appointment to donate, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter your zip code or call 800-RED-CROSS. Donating blood takes less than an hour and can help save more than one life.