By Laura McGuire, American Red Cross

“I don’t know the names of the people who saved my life,” said Jodi Lasco. “I don’t know their age, their face or the sound of their voice, but I carry a piece of their generosity with me every single day.”

In July 2024, Lasco’s life changed in a matter of hours. The Poynette resident was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a fast‑moving cancer that forced her from her everyday routine into immediate hospitalization. Within 48 hours, her world became a cycle of tests, treatments and uncertainty.

Very quickly, donated blood became critical to her survival. In the days following her diagnosis, Lasco depended on the generosity of anonymous blood donors whose quiet acts had lifesaving consequences.

Throughout her treatment, Lasco required 183 units of blood, 60 units of red blood cells and 123 units of platelets. Each transfusion served as a lifeline, giving her the strength to endure grueling rounds of treatment and cherish time with her family.

“There’s really no way to describe the feeling of receiving such a gift,” she said. “Every bag of blood represented someone who cared enough to help. Without those donors, I wouldn’t be here.”

Before her diagnosis, Lasco had been an avid blood donor herself, giving 58 units over the years. She remembers thinking, “I’m using what I gave,” though her need quickly surpassed her past contributions.

“I feel incredibly lucky, and I’m grateful for the collective power of a village,” she said. “The strength of a community, from generous donors to groundbreaking science, medicine and doctors all played a vital role in supporting me throughout my journey.”

Along with blood transfusions, Lasco received a stem cell transplant from her younger brother, a gift she describes as a second chance at life.

Now in recovery, she is sharing her story in hopes of inspiring others to donate blood.

“You may never meet the person you’re helping,” she said. “But your donation could be the reason someone gets to celebrate another birthday, another holiday or another tomorrow.”

Each unit of blood carries a story. Lasco’s is a reminder of how powerful a single donation can be and how it can change the course of a life.

Don’t wait – make an appointment to give blood now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.