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Malorie
Malorie was three years old when she developed a bad infection as a result of drinking tainted apple cider. 'I was in intensive care and I almost died,' says Malorie. 'I was lucky because so many nice people gave blood; people who didn't know me. People who give blood are heroes. Every day, they save lives. My motto is, 'The more you give; the more people will live.'
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Dereese
After the joyous arrival of their son, Hunter, a year-and-a-half earlier, Dereese and her husband, Larry, were excitedly awaiting the birth of their second child in March of 1999. When complications occurred during Dereese's labor, she was rushed into the operating room for an emergency caesarian to save her life and that of the baby.
'During the course of the surgery, I lost four units of blood. I needed a blood transfusion in order to survive,' Dereese recounted. 'This experience saved and changed my life. I never felt compelled to give blood because I was timid and afraid, but this experience has changed my outlook completely. I am now a blood donor and am proud to be a contributor to saving lives!'
Dereese, Larry and Hunter welcomed Michael, a healthy baby boy, into their lives on March 24, 1999.
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Brad
On Christmas Eve, 1997, Brad was diagnosed with Acute Myelogeneous Leukemia. Through August of 1998, he had to be hospitalized numerous times. Those hospital stays totaled six months. During that time, he underwent several chemotherapy sessions that systematically destroyed his immune system to rid his body of leukemic white blood cells. In the course of that treatment, Brad's platelet count was also severely damaged. As a result, he received platelet transfusions on a daily basis to offset what was lost.
'After being diagnosed and treated for leukemia, I have completely recovered,' said Brad. 'If it had not been for platelet donations from friends, family and the public, my recovery would have been near impossible. I still visit the doctor on a yearly basis; however it has been six years since my bone marrow transplant, and I am still in remission.'
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Cody
Cody was only four when an infection in his mouth turned out to be the first sign of a disease that had already riddled his body with tumors and cancer cells. Cody had Burkitts Leukemia. His body could no longer produce blood cells, so chemotherapy and blood transfusions became a way of life. Cody persevered and today, in remission, he is a rambunctious ten-year-old. His family is deeply grateful to the many blood donors who generously gave this gift of life.
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Glinda
Born with Sickle Cell Anemia, Glinda personifies 'hero'. Suffering through many debilitating Sickle Cell episodes, Glinda survived a life threatening aplastic crisis and avoided amputation of her foot. She attributes her survival to blood transfusions. 'Without blood transfusions, I wouldn't be able to continue full-time employment as a medical technologist and medical analyst and live an independent productive life,' stated Glinda.
By receiving the gift of life, she was given the opportunity to give the gift of life - the birth of a healthy son in 1985. 'Blood donation is one of the greatest gifts one person can give to another.' Glinda continues to educate and advocate for others with Sickle Cell Disease. 'While I was promoting a blood donor drive, a donor asked me if giving a monetary donation would help more. I told him the money was great, but a unit of his blood would give someone like me something money could not buy - another couple weeks of life, without pain and with energy to live life more fully!'
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