Jacqui Callinan was listening to Seattle, WA-based radio station, KEXP, when she heard a public service announcement about the need for blood. So did every other listener that day, but not everyone took action. Why did Jacqui? Here's what she had to say: Jacqui Callinan made an appointment to donate blood after hearing an appeal … Continue reading Why I donate blood: Jacqui Callinan
Why I donate blood: Naomi Glover
Thinking about donating blood? Here's what Arlington, WA resident Naomi Glover had to say after a recent experience. What motivated you to donate blood? "My mom. Just seeing how excited she was when she would come home after donating was inspiring."What advice would you give other potential donors?"Just Do It. It seems like such a … Continue reading Why I donate blood: Naomi Glover
Blood Donations Are Crucial For Patients With Sickle Cell Disease – And You Can Help
In the United States, an estimated 100,000 people have sickle cell disease, and the majority of those people are of African descent. The disease causes red blood cells to harden, which can then get caught in blood vessels and cause serious complications and severe pain.
Once a recipient, Rick Dunbar now routinely donates blood
“I want to pay it forward. Blood is precious,” Rick Dunbar of Ocean Park, WA concluded after he finished detailing the harrowing experience he had back in 2000. It's what inspired him to become an avid blood donor. Close to 22 years ago, Rick, a now-retired IT specialist, went through a 5-way coronary artery bypass … Continue reading Once a recipient, Rick Dunbar now routinely donates blood
Honoring his memory: Why Carol Perfect has been donating blood for 30 years
“The fact that you are helping someone have a better quality of life is so rewarding,” said Carol. One act of donating can help with someone’s ongoing treatment or play a critical role in saving their life.
How Keith Freier thanks the blood donors who saved his life
By Gordon Williams Keith Freier’s journey toward becoming a champion of Red Cross blood drives began one day a few years ago when he found himself sprawled on the floor, unable to move. He had experienced back pain before, but this was something new. Diagnosis showed he had bone marrow cancer which had made his bones … Continue reading How Keith Freier thanks the blood donors who saved his life
A Yakima mother tells how donated blood saved her son’s life
By Gordon Williams Americans donate 14 million units of blood and blood products each year--with 40 percent of that collected and processed by the American Red Cross. Every drop of that donated blood has the potential to ease suffering or even to help save a life. Here is the real-life story of one young man … Continue reading A Yakima mother tells how donated blood saved her son’s life
Red Cross: National blood crisis may put patients at risk
Kala Breder knows all too well how dire a blood shortage can be. In July 2020, hours after the birth of her son by emergency Cesarean section, Kala developed a complication and began hemorrhaging.
Blood recipient turned donor: Megan Hall shares her story
William and Megan Hall in Pullman WA, 2021 By Gordon Williams When Megan Hall of Pullman WA donates blood, it is her way of saying “thank you” to the American Red Cross whose blood collection program helped save her life. Americans donate nearly 14 million units of blood each year (each unit being around a … Continue reading Blood recipient turned donor: Megan Hall shares her story
For patients with sickle cell disease, blood transfusions are essential
Learn why blood transfusions from donors who are Black may provide best outcomes Seventeen-year-old Demarus Torrence loves comics and sci-fi movies, and like his favorite superheroes, he’s awfully brave himself. Demarus lives with sickle cell disease, the most common inherited blood disorder, which affects about 100,000 people in the U.S. What is sickle cell disease? Sickle cell disease makes red blood cells hard and sickle-shaped … Continue reading For patients with sickle cell disease, blood transfusions are essential
American Red Cross NW Region 