Linda Bierwagen’s commitment to saving lives has come full circle. Bierwagen, who lives outside of Lansing, never expected to become a lifelong blood donor, let alone someone who would one day rely on a blood donation herself.

For years, medical restrictions sidelined her desire to give. As a high school student, she was eager to donate, but due to medications she was taking at the time, she was unable to donate. She navigated these limitations for years, though the desire to help remained.

Things changed after a surgery led to a stroke. This was a scary time in her life, but Bierwagen expressed gratitude for the donors who provided the very help she had always wanted to give others.

After the stroke, she was taken off the medications she had been on since she was young. Without hesitation, she asked if this meant she could now donate. After work one day, before picking up her kids, Bierwagen walked into a high school blood drive to give for the first time.

“This was before we could make appointments online. I just walked right into a donation center and asked if I could do it,” Bierwagen said. “It took one day to just try it.” 

As Bierwagen transitioned into a regular donor, her commitment deepened when her mother-in-law needed two blood transfusions. Witnessing her own family's vulnerability firsthand made the impact of every donation even clearer.

“I could see the impact directly going to my mother-in-law. It made me feel better,” she said. “I was giving  (blood) because of me originally, but now I could give knowing it could help other people.”

Through the years, American Red Cross technology advanced so donors could see directly where in the community their donations went. She embraced new Red Cross technology to track her donations, allowing her to see the direct impact she was making in her community. 

Now both a recipient and a committed donor, Bierwagen has given more than 40 units of blood with the Red Cross, the equivalent to about five gallons. One donation can help save more than one life.

“Donating is really easy,” she said, adding that she hosted her first Red Cross blood drive in December.

“All the Red Cross people are so caring and relaxing. It doesn't take long. If you can give up an hour of your time, you are helping others.” 

By Megan Kusulas, Red Cross communications volunteer