We are raising awareness about the vital impact of blood donations, particularly highlighting the personal motivations of our donors and the positive outcomes for the patients we serve.
Stories have the power to inspire others to donate blood to ensure a more stable and adequate blood supply for our community.
Share your story with us today, to inspire others to give!
Blood Recipient Stories
Kimberly’s story
From patient to donor: Kimberly’s full-circle journey
In 2017, Kimberly was diagnosed with cancer. She did her best to prepare for the physical and emotional toll of treatment. But she didn’t anticipate how vulnerable she would feel when chemotherapy left her too weak to continue. “Chemo attacked my tumor cells but also left me exhausted, pale, and breathless,” she recalls.
One day, when low hemoglobin delayed her treatment, she was devastated. “Delaying chemo meant delaying my surgery—everything felt out of my control.” But then, she received a blood transfusion. “Relief washed over me. My anemia improved, my anxiety eased, and hope sprang back into action.”
“Your donation might feel small, but to someone like me, it’s everything.
I once sat on the receiving end, hoping for a second chance. Today, I get to give that chance to someone else—and so can you.”
- Kimberly
Alfie's story
Alfie’s journey is a powerful reminder of how critical blood donations are for saving lives. Shortly after birth, Alfie faced severe complications that required him to be placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a life-support system that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs. ECMO provided Alfie’s fragile body with the support it needed to rest and heal, but the process also demanded an immense supply of blood products to sustain him.
While Heather had always been a regular blood donor, her husband, Zach, had never considered it before this situation and had not considered the fact that blood products would be used in infants.
“He started donating right away,” Heather said. “It had a huge impact on him and made it seem even more critical knowing that it could help an infant.”
Alfie is now a busy and active 3-year-old, she said. View Alfie's story.
- Heather and Zach
Nicolette's story
Working as a labor and delivery nurse at Inova Fairfax Hospital, I never imagined I would nearly die among my peers. But in March 2022, what started as a peaceful labor with my son, I suddenly experienced a splenic artery aneurysm rupture. The situation turned horrific as I bled internally, and both my life and my unborn son's life hung in the balance. I was rushed into emergency surgery under general anesthesia, where doctors fought to save us both. They removed my spleen and the tail of my pancreas; I lost my body’s entire blood volume.
"My family and I began donating blood, starting on my son's birthday, which also marks my “survivorversary.”
We now donate whenever we can, especially when Inova issues an urgent call for blood. Each donation is our way of paying it forward, hoping our contributions will save lives, just as mine was saved."
- Nicolette and family
Walker's story
In November 2023, our son, at just 6 months old, received a diagnosis of a congenital heart defect, accompanied by congestive heart failure. Immediate surgical intervention in January at Inova L. J. Murphy Children's Hospital was imperative. Given his delicate state, the surgery necessitated a blood transfusion, requiring two units. Both my partner and I stepped forward as donors, fully aware of the vital role our contributions played in our son's survival.
"In our son's case, we found ourselves in a position to directly provide blood products through our own donations. Through this experience, we are compelled to become regular blood donors. We understand the critical need for blood products, especially for patients who require them urgently." Walker's parents
Meghan's story
At 7 years old, Meghan developed a purple rash for the second time after a cold. As her mom, I took her to the pediatrician for blood work. The results showed Meghan's red blood count was low and her white blood count was high. The doctor spoke to a specialist at Inova L.J. Murphy Children's Hospital, and Meghan needed to go to the emergency room right away. It was the scariest day of my life, I recall.
"Friends, family, community members, and many strangers' donations have saved her life, providing the strength she needs to endure chemo. It feels like we're not alone in this fight, thanks to generous blood donors." - Meghan's family
Abby's story
Two years ago at the age 4 our daughter, Abby, became sick. At first, we thought it was just the flu, then a stomach bug, but when she became extremely lethargic our pediatrician ordered blood work. We learned that her hemoglobin was dangerously low, requiring immediate hospitalization at Inova Fairfax Hospital where she quickly received two blood transfusions during her stay.
This week Abby and I celebrated her 6th birthday (and National Blood Donor Month) by going to a blood drive so that Mommy could give blood. I donate as a “thank you” to the strangers who donated to Abby. I donate to set an example for my children that we give back to our community. I donate so that other families can receive life-saving treatment like mine did and in hopes of keeping Inova’s blood supply stable enough that others have one less thing to worry about during their health journey. I donate because I have the privilege to look at Abby every single day and think how lucky we are that she’s alive."We had many fears during the first year of treatment but, thanks to generous blood donors, wondering whether we would have access to the blood needed for Abby’s life-saving transfusions was never one of those fears." - Abby's family
Sadie
On Sadie’s three-month birthday, doctors discovered a huge tumor in her neck. We were devastated to learn that it was a rare, solid cancer of the nerve tissue of the sympathetic nervous system called neuroblastoma.
Our first plan of treatment was surgery. Our friend, Amy, worked on securing designated blood donations so that Sadie would have a good supply on hand for her big surgery. Amy contacted her network of friends and in two days six people identified themselves as the preferred blood type and were willing to be screened for the CMV virus that can affect infants with an immune system that is not fully developed. Countless others donated, whatever their type, in the DC metro area in honor of Sadie. The surgery was deemed a huge success.
The next phase of treatment was chemotherapy. After each round, she benefited from the generosity of anonymous blood donors, as she received numerous units of red blood cells and platelets. Whether it was a holiday or not, strangers provided these most wonderful gifts.
Sadie is doing well today. We are no longer pursuing treatment but she is constantly monitored to make sure the cancer continues to abate. Please donate blood to provide a safe and adequate supply for all of those who are treated for cancer and other medical conditions.
Thank you,
Erin & Ethan (Sadie’s parents)
Blood Donor Stories
Charles
Steve
Gordon
Jared
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