We wanted to share with you why donating blood is so important. Kathy Gertz is a member of our Appleton staff. Her daughter Holly wrote to us about her experience donating and receiving blood:
"Donating blood is an extremely important thing! I have thought
this from the first time I donated, in high school. I became a regular donor
and was proud of the contribution I was making to my community; however I never
thought I would be on the receiving end of blood. When I entered my junior year
of college, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and become quite ill. I was
never able to control it which resulted the removal of my entire colon, also
known as your large intestine. Over the course of four years, I received four
complete blood transfusions and a round of iron infusions to help battle the
weakness, fatigue, and general malaise I felt daily. I am now 29 and have
received more blood transfusions over the years due to complications from
surgery and other autoimmune disorders I have been diagnosed with.
Going from perfectly healthy to needing tests, blood transfusions,
and even surgery is a scary thing. I can’t imagine if there wouldn’t have been
people willing to donate their blood to help me carry on living a normal life
by finishing college and becoming a teacher. If you are a healthy individual, I
urge you from one former donor and receiver to donate blood!
I just turned 29, I currently teach 7th and 8th
grade science, and I am fairly healthy living a normal life. This is due to the
generosity of people in my community. My parents have also set a wonderful
example, by being donors! One of my wonderful parents works at Schubbe Resch
Chiropractic and Physical Therapy. "
We really appreciate Holly's willingness to share her story. Let's all help by donating blood if we are able!
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