By Sarah Martin
American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Communications Manager

Keri Cottrell has donated blood regularly with the American Red Cross of Utah for almost 10 years. She’s diligently made donation appointments with Red Cross blood drives all over the Salt Lake Valley. But her donation this week was special – she brought her daughter, Kirsten, for her first time giving blood.

“Giving blood is the least I can do. I understand how crucial blood transfusions are in a patient’s life and their family’s life, and I plan to continue donating for as long as possible,” Keri shared. Her dedication is deeply personal; her son endured four years of intense cancer treatment for leukemia, receiving numerous transfusions at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.

At just 10 years old, Kirsten remembers her brother as the typical annoying older sibling, but his battle with cancer transformed their relationship. “He’s my superhero!” Keri and Kirsten described him as facing years of cancer treatment with unwavering positivity and a smile. Now that he is healthy and thriving, blood donation has become an important family tradition.

But as it was time for her first blood donation, Kirsten admitted, “I am pretty nervous, though.”

Encouraged by her mom, Kirsten opted for a Power Red donation for her first experience. Keri explained, “I always choose Power Reds because I feel much better afterward. Getting the plasma back seems to make a big difference for me.”

What is a Power Red donation?
A Power Red donation is a unique way to donate blood, focusing on collecting red blood cells, which are the most needed for transfusions. Donors with blood types O, A negative, or B negative may be particularly suited for this type of donation.

In a standard whole blood donation, components like red blood cells, platelets, plasma and white blood cells are collected. However, Power Red zeroes in on red blood cells. During the process, a machine separates the blood, collects two units of red cells, and safely returns the remaining blood components, along with some saline, back to the donor through the same arm. This automated process makes sure a Power Red donation is as safe as donating whole blood.

Power Red is ideal for those who are busy but committed to helping others, allowing them to provide more of what hospitals need most in a single visit. This process takes about 30 minutes longer than a regular whole donation, and donors can give approximately every four months, making it a powerful way to make a significant impact.

“Keri, your unwavering dedication over the past decade in donating blood is a testament to your compassion, and Kirsten, we are thrilled to welcome you as you begin this lifesaving journey with your first donation,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Your choice to focus on Power Red donations makes a tremendous difference, providing crucial support to patients who need it most. Thank you both for your incredible generosity and commitment to making a lasting impact.”

Advice for first-time donors
Donating blood might be a little stressful your first time but knowing what to expect can ease those nerves. Remember to bring your ID and to complete your Health History in the Red Cross Blood Donor App before your appointment. Eat a good meal the morning of your donation and drink plenty of water. The entire donation process will take about an hour. Find more tips for donors at redcrossblood.org.

To those apprehensive about donating blood, Keri offers words of encouragement as she is grateful for those who donated the blood for her son’s transfusions. “It’s worth it because you really have the power to save someone’s life and change a family for the better.”

Schedule your blood donation today
Donors can easily schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.