A FAMILY TRAGEDY ENCOURAGES CAMDEN WOMAN TO BECOME "LIFESAVER" DONOR
Michelle G. of Camden, DE spent many years of her life terrified of needles. But after a family tragedy, she overcame her fear and gave back to the very cause that helped prolong her sister's life- by becoming a regular blood donor. It was a cause that also helped save her husband's life nearly 25 years later.
PICTURED: Michelle with her husband Joe
"The summer after my sophomore year of college, my 12-year-old sister was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Though she eventually lost her intense struggle with the disease, she was able to enjoy good days due to blood transfusions. During that time, I became very afraid of hospitals- and needles in particular. Just the sight of a needle made me cringe. I was surely not a willing candidate for donating blood.
But being too nervous to donate blood made me feel guilty for years- especially after seeing firsthand how much it was needed. After the birth of my son fourteen years ago, I decided that I could do it. I gave birth after all- how hard could it be to donate a simple pint of blood?
My husband, Joe, who is a member of Blood Bank of Delmarva, was called one day and asked to fulfill his blood donation commitment. I volunteered to donate for him. The experience was great and I have been donating ever since. I am now a member of the "LifeSaver" Program and was thrilled to receive a certificate in the mail after donating my first gallon!
Although I always felt good about donating- knowing my blood was helping someone else- I never considered the fact that another one of my family members would need help someday. That day came on October 13, 2007 when Joe was hit by an SUV while riding his motorcycle. Joe suffered a severely injured leg and was airlifted to Christiana Hospital for emergency surgery. In the days following the surgery, he needed four units of blood.
Even though Joe did not receive my blood, every time I give blood, it is a great feeling knowing that I may be helping someone the way another donor helped him when he needed it."
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 or visit www.delmarvablood.org.
