I’ve been a blood donor for 30 years, and though I will never know the recipients whose lives I’ve personally impacted; I do know two family members who have been recipients in this past year alone. So for whoever donated the blood that helped save their lives, I offer my sincere and heartfelt “Thanks”.

My mother received 3 units last year, due to an infection with H Pylori that was later discovered and corrected. She only realized the problem because she was having serious angina due to her low blood count. Once she received the units, the angina subsided. The underlying problem has been treated, and she’s alive and healthy due to several some ones generous donation.

Just this past week, my 22 month old great-nephew became ill with the flu. When his parents took him to the hospital because he was listless and running a high fever, it was discovered that he had critically low hemoglobin. Apparently he has an inherited anemic condition which can be made worse when his immune system is compromised. The day after he received a unit of blood, he was playing in the children’s play area. Teary eyed, my niece said she was forever thankful to see him wanting to color and read and dance again.

I’ve worked in a clinical laboratory for many years, so I’ve already had the benefit of knowing through the patients that we serve how important the gift of a blood donation can be. Seeing the impact on my own family has brought home the significance of each and every donation I’ve made over the years. We may never see the faces of those we touch, but I am reminded yet again that our gift of life is irreplaceable. I suspect it will be my most important Christmas gift this year.

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