“In September of 2022, my husband and I were blessed to welcome our 5th child into the world. Hours after the delivery, I was fighting for my life. I had hemorrhaged and was bleeding internally. During this scary time, I received 15 units of lifesaving blood product. Without these glorious gifts from generous donors, I would not be here today.  

I had always known about giving blood because my dad donated for over 45 years and I had contemplated being a donor myself multiple times, but I never actually went through with it. Over the past year, I have thought a lot about what if everyone would think that way…”someone else will donate” or “it does not fit into my schedule.” How many lives would be lost or forever changed?

One year after being on the receiving end of these donations, I donated blood with the American Red Cross for the first time. It was such an easy process and I felt guided every step of the way. While I will never be able to personally thank the eight red blood cell donors, five plasma donors, and two platelet donors who gave me a second chance at life, I do hope and pray that others may be inspired by my story. That they too may become someone’s hero and save a life!”