On a normal day, Annemarie Boyden goes to Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center to care for patients as a registered nurse.

One day in late summer, Annemarie became the patient! She needed a blood transfusion before routine dental work. You see, Annemarie was diagnosed late in life with von Willebrand's Disease, a genetic blood disorder. Her body doesn't make enough protein to help stop a normal amount of bleeding.

The protein she lacks is only found in blood plasma that is freshly donated, frozen and stored in blood banks before transfusion. There is no other substitute.

If Annemarie cuts herself or when she has dental work done, she needs to go to the hospital right away for a blood transfusion.

Annemarie wants you to know how she feels. Thank you, American Red Cross blood donors. You really saved my life!"

Annemarie is doing fine after her transfusion. And now, if she's not at the hospital, look for her driving her bright new red Volvo S40!

Patient Stories