By Sherri O’Dell, American Red Cross

A few years ago, Laura Dulle’s life changed in ways she never expected. What began as a routine health concern quickly escalated into a medical emergency, revealing just how critical blood donation can be, not only for strangers, but for people in our own communities.

Laura, a longtime resident of Overland Park, Kansas, is a wife, mother of two, and a professional with decades of experience in chemical engineering and project management. Giving back has always been part of who she is, a value instilled early in life.

“We all pitched in to get things done and worked hard to make it happen,” she recalls.

During her college years, Laura began donating blood occasionally. At the time, it felt routine, almost automatic. “I donated without much thought. It was what my college sorority sisters were doing, so I did it,” said Laura, who is O+ which is considered the universal blood donor.

That perspective changed dramatically in spring 2022.

Laura had been diagnosed with Covid several weeks before this day, where the virus had been attacking her system. After several days of feeling unwell, her family noticed something was seriously wrong, she was, as they described it, “white as a sheet.” A trip to the emergency room, followed by a blood test, revealed a life-threatening situation.

Laura shares. “My hemoglobin had dropped to 2.8. It was pretty serious. I was in the ICU for two days.” (For reference, a normal hemoglobin range for women is 12.0 to 15.5)

During her hospital stay, Laura received not one, not two, but FIVE blood transfusions. At the time, the experience felt surreal. “I knew they had to bring blood in for me, and I was just thinking, ‘Get me better!’ It was my birthday week, and I was supposed to have an event with my friends,” she remembers.

It wasn’t until she returned home that reality truly set in. “It was a moment you never think you’ll have,” Laura says. As she reflected on her recovery, her gratitude for blood donors grew deeper.

“You are living angels and a blessing from God,” she says. “I’ll never know who you are, but you gave me the gift of life.”

The experience profoundly changed Laura’s outlook on health, on community, and on the importance of blood donation.

“I would not be here today without the blood,” she explains. “We don’t know what the future brings, so this is important.”

Today, Laura is a passionate advocate for blood donation, encouraging others to give if they are able. When asked what she would say to someone who feels hesitant, her answer is simple:

“Tell them my story.”

Laura’s journey is a powerful reminder of the unseen heroes among us, blood donors, and the organizations that make these life-saving connections possible, including the American Red Cross. Her story underscores a simple truth: blood donation is more than a medical act. It is a gift of life, hope, and community and for Laura, and countless others, it’s the reason they are here today.