Every March since 1943, Redcrossers from Maine to California and everywhere in between band together in celebration. Banners are hung, proclamations are accepted, and prominent buildings and landmarks light up in red. It's Red Cross Month–the time to honor the work Red Cross volunteers, financial supporters and blood donors do throughout the entire year! 

But why is the work of the Red Cross worthy of a month-long celebration? 

Let’s start with volunteers. They are the heartbeat of our lifesaving work. Without them, people impacted by disaster would not have safe shelter, warm meals, water, supplies, and health and mental health support. In fact, volunteers perform 90 percent of the work of the American Red Cross.  Financial donors are just as integral to alleviating human suffering. They are the fuel that ensures all Red Cross services are promptly delivered. Without the generosity of financial donors, our humanitarian efforts would cease to exist.  

And of course, blood donors. These selfless individuals literally give life to complete strangers. Without donated blood, hospital patients who need blood transfusions would not be able to survive.  Red Cross of Lowcountry South Carolina Chapter community volunteer leader, Susie Green, know this all to well. That’s because her daughter, Tymia Green, the oldest of four (soon to be five) children fights Sickle Cell disease every single day of her life. And to date, this ninth grader from Georgetown, South Carolina, has received more than 80 blood transfusions.  

“When the pain gets bad we have to go straight to the Emergency Room,” Tymia said. “It hurts so much I can’t even let any thing touch me. Not a blanket. Not my Mom. Not even the seatbelt. I just lay in the back seat and pray we make it to the hospital to get the blood I need to feel better.” 

You might remember Tymia from this first-time blood donor video, that earned more than 5 million views on Facebook alone. 

“It’s important for people to see Tymia and know that she is alive because of donated blood,” Susie Green said. “To know my daughter sharing her story has inspired others to give and to give regularly—it’s awesome. I know there are so many other moms and dads out there who are grateful for Red Cross blood donors too.”  

Tymia has good and bad days—but she doesn’t let sickle cell disease stop her from attending school or from pursuing a modeling and acting career. “I’m just going to keep doing my thing,” she said. 

Thankfully, March 26, 2021 was a good day. Tymia stood strong and proud as she accepted a Red Cross Month Proclamation from Georgetown, South Carolina Mayor Brendan Baber. With her mom by her side every step of the way, Tymia reminded us all WHY we celebrate Red Cross Month. Because without Red Cross blood donors, she would not be alive.