By Allie Wagner Dang
Nils Huehnergarth of Bethlehem has known since birth the lifesaving power of blood donation. Born in 1958, he and his mother experienced a blood type incompatibility known as Rh disease. With no prenatal treatment available at the time, an immediate blood transfusion after birth was their only hope.
“I essentially had no oxygen in my blood,” Huehnergarth said.
Indicated by the positive or negative sign next to the blood groups (A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+, AB-), the Rh factor is an inherited protein found on the surface of red blood cells. If the expectant mother is Rh negative and her baby is Rh positive, the mother's blood may produce antibodies that can cross the placenta and attack fetal blood cells.
“I was in the ICU for a couple of weeks before my parents could even hold me,” Huehnergarth said. “This is a story my mother and father told to me many times because of how scared they were and how grateful they were that the hospital had the necessary blood and resources to give me a full transfusion.”
“The blood transfusion saved my life,” Huehnergarth said. “It's many years later, and I am retired and have time now to give back. One of the ways I want to give back is to be a regular donor of blood.”
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Huehnergarth hopes sharing his experience will help raise awareness and let others know blood donation is not a difficult or time-consuming process.
“For me, my community center is less than a mile away. So, it's quite convenient,” Huehnergarth said.
A blood donation appointment takes about an hour, but the actual donation itself is only about 8 to 10 minutes, during which donors are seated comfortably or lying down. With the help of volunteer blood donors, the Red Cross collects 40% of the nation’s blood supply.
“I think the Red Cross is a wonderful organization,” Huehnergarth said. “My mother did some volunteering for the Red Cross when she was alive and younger. I salute the effort the Red Cross makes to help make people's lives better.”
Huehnergarth’s life in retirement is active and well-rounded. A talented photographer, he also spends time riding his motorcycle, skiing and traveling.
Every day, volunteer blood donors are needed across the country to help save lives. When you roll up a sleeve to donate, you can help change a life. Schedule an appointment to give by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
