I’ve been a blood donor for many years, and in my capacity as Medical Director of the lab at Caritas Holy Family Hospital, I have been a blood banker as well for many years. I understand full well the importance of the blood supply to the lives of our patients. However, this importance was brought home to me most vividly when I became a patient myself.

In September of 2003, I was involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in several surgeries, culminating in the amputation of my right leg below the knee. As a result of blood loss from the accident itself and the subsequent surgeries, I received 17 units of red cells over several days.

As a result, the importance of the availability of blood for transfusion was emphasized to me in a very personal way, although of course I already had a professional awareness of this important fact. I am very grateful to the donors who literally made my survival possible.

Don Ross, M.D.
Caritas Holy Family Hospital, Methuen, MA

Red Cross blood donors help patients just like Don in cities and towns throughout New England and across the United States. Please….give blood.

Patient Stories