By Kayla Beamon, Red Cross volunteer
The saying goes, “You never know when you are going to need blood, until you really need blood.” On April 6, 2021, blood donations meant life and death for Maecy Traughber.
Traughber was delivering her son Walker when she suffered a serious medical emergency. During delivery, the young mother lost 2.2 liters of blood. Doctors knew she would need multiple blood transfusions to save her life. With the help of the Red Cross and its blood donors she was given the chance to celebrate Walker’s first birthday a year later.
“When I was thinking how we should celebrate his first birthday I knew I would have mixed emotions, but I wanted to celebrate his birth story,” says Traughber. After receiving the life-saving blood, she went on to partner with the Red Cross and host a blood drive for Walker’s first birthday.
“When I discovered the ability to host a blood drive it just fit,” she said. “The blood drive was an enormous success. I went for it with everything I could think of. We had about 40 businesses donate products and gift cards for us to hand out to the donors. We also had food trucks and special treats for those who showed up to donate.”
Hosting a blood drive has made a lasting impact on her family. “It was the perfect way to share our story, raise awareness and give back to others,” she added. “I will forever be grateful to blood donors because I’m here to be present for my children. Because someone decided to donate that day. That’s truly the most selfless gift to give.”
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are needed at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Amplify Your Impact − Volunteer!
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.
Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
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