Donating blood and helping save lives just comes naturally to some individuals. To the German and Moffett families, giving blood, and motivating others to give, is a family affair. Their life story spans three generations with the promise of loyal blood donors for years to come.

Bill and Cathy German’s life-sharing experience began in 1958. Both had joined the Navy and were stationed at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Memphis, TN. There they met, fell in love, and married, all within a period of six months. Their first exposure to blood donation was on “vampire liberty” a term used by the enlisted personnel when referring to the civilian blood bank that paid cash for their blood. Cathy says: “At the time, I thought receiving money for blood wasn’t the right reason to donate.” Bill just smiles.

After ten years of military service, Bill and Cathy moved to Greenville, South Carolina, to raise their growing family. Bill began donating first. He has received his seven gallon donor pin and Kathy is a five gallon donor pin recipient. When asked about why he started giving blood Bill says, “I wish I had a glamorous reason or story, but all I can remember is thinking that it was the right thing to do.” When he’s not donating blood, you can find Bill at the local Home Depot where he is currently employed and in his 22nd year of dedicated service.

Following in her parent’s footsteps, Jodee, the youngest of their six children, began giving blood in 2005 while working at, what is now, Windstream. Shortly after her first donation, Jodee convinced her husband, Ben, to get on board. At the time Ben was the owner of Reactive Paintball and he in turn, sponsored a blood drive that saw over fifty paintball players donate blood.

But their story of giving and motivating others to donate doesn’t end here. Ben and Jodee’s children, seven year old Mason and five year old Kyra, were chosen as promotional models for the Bruster’s Ice Cream “Pint for a Pint” Blood  Drive.

Although they may not understand  their contribution now,  Mason and Kyra are part of a much bigger picture that helps save lives, one scoop at a time. This family team is a great example of how donating blood naturally connects lives, both for recipients and for future donors.

The post German & Moffett Families appeared first on Donate Blood - The Blood Connection.

Allan Burden woke one morning with stomach pains and thought he might have a virus. When his pain became unbearable, he went to the emergency room at Self Regional Hospital in Greenwood.

Doctors determined Allan had a ruptured kidney due to a blocked urethra, and the kidney would have to be removed. A common procedure was recommended, and Allan was eager and willing. Twenty years old at the time, Allan felt young and invincible. He dreamed of becoming a police officer.

Then, the unexpected happened. A staple came loose and punctured a major blood vessel near Allan’s spine. A massive amount of blood was lost. And one by one, Allan’s organs began to shut down. He was given 14 units of blood that day, and his condition was grave. His body needed time to receive the blood and restore his organs.

“I never saw the severity of my situation like my family,” said Allan. “But there I was. I would later realize the value of the gifts I had received.”

Anxiously, his family watched and waited for signs of improvement, and they came, slowly. But Allen wouldn’t be able to leave the hospital for many weeks. He had plenty of time to think.

“Why did I make it off the operating table?” said Allen. “As I lay in the hospital bed, I knew I had survived. And now, I’m in ‘extra innings.’ There must have been a purpose to it all. That’s when an idea took hold of me.”

Growing up in Camden, the strength of tradition, family, and faith helped form Allan. Church was a place of comfort and peace and where he learned about the Bible. Family nights were often spent playing a trivia game called Bible Baseball.

“I remember when all of my friends were outside playing, but I stayed inside to read. I jokingly told my family that I was going to be a preacher and a baseball player when I grew up.”

Today, Allan is a faithful blood donor, giving back to the blood supply that gave him life. “I would never have imagined that I would need 14 pints of blood, 14 gifts from perfect strangers. If that blood had not been available, my outcome would have been different. I wouldn’t have been given these extra innings.”

The post Allan Burden appeared first on Donate Blood - The Blood Connection.

Ask 5-year old Katie-Belle Cooley who her best friends are, and she’ll say, “Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne and Velma!” Ask her mom Karen the same question, and she’ll say “all the people who helped save my daughter’s life!”

Katie-Belle was only eight months old when she was diagnosed with infant leukemia. Her parents were told she had a fifty percent chance of surviving to age three. The chances were just as grim that the cancer would reoccur even with intense chemotherapy treatments. During her first four months of treatment, she spent a majority of the time in the hospital, requiring weekly blood transfusions. On the day of her first birthday, Katie-Belle, who is A Positive blood type, needed an emergency transfusion. Thanks to an O Positive blood donor, which is a compatible blood type, she was able to receive the life saving donation.  In total, Katie-Belle endured twenty-two months of chemotherapy and received well over forty units of blood from donors in our community.  Today, two years later, she is in full remission and the chance that her cancer will return becomes considerably less with each passing day.

So where does Scooby-Doo come in? Katie-Belle went through a period of isolation after she contracted PCP pneumonia as a result of a suppressed immune system from her chemotherapy treatments. She spent eighteen days out of a six-week period heavily sedated and breathing through a ventilator. It was during this isolation at home that she became best friends with Scooby-Doo and the gang through watching hours of television and DVD’s. She has had Scooby-Doo themed birthday parties, has all the Scooby-Doo themed toys, and even visited Universal Studios, through the Make A Wish foundation, where she attended a private meeting with her “boyfriend” Shaggy and Scooby-Doo.

Katie-Belle’s ongoing story is shared with a full cast of family members including her parents, Karen and Stacey, as well as her nine-year old sister, Gina-Marie and eleven year old brother, Tristan.

When you give blood you give life. Katie-Belle’s story is one of many that have been written and are continuing to be written each day. These are the faces of those lives that are changed through the generous gift of those who donate.

Giving blood naturally connects your life to someone else’s life. Katie-Belle has her momentary, fictional friends but, thanks to many people who took time to donate blood, she also has very real friends for LIFE.

The post Katie-Belle Cooley appeared first on Donate Blood - The Blood Connection.

In 1988, a young man at John Hatfield’s church was diagnosed with leukemia and receiving chemotherapy.  The man was newly married with a baby on the way.  He needed platelets, but his blood type was O-negative and John was a match.  O-negative is considered a rare type and only 6.6% of the population has it.  At the time, there happened to be five other people in John’s congregation who were O-neg.  They all decided to give, a team connected in a unique way that gave their friend more time.  Their donations allowed him to live long enough to see the birth of his first child.  From then on, John has continued to give.

When John’s son turned five, open heart surgery was recommended.  Reef was adopted from the Marshall Islands.  He had a heart defect that had to be repaired.  When John found out, he reunited with his team at church and they all donated blood on Reef’s behalf.  Thankfully, the surgery was a success, and Reef received a good report at his last pediatric visit

“I believe it’s our responsibility to keep the blood supply flowing,” says John. “Blood isn’t something you can buy.  It’s not a consumer product.  It’s a lifeline that connects the community and sustains life. Without it, those in need will die.”

An unabashed supporter of platelet donation, John has given over 219 units of platelets and donates every two weeks. He’s committed to keeping the community blood supply strong, a passion he instills in his family.  Recently, John enlisted his other son, Ocean, who turned 16. With written permission, Ocean is now able to donate.

“I ask, what have you done for someone else this week?” says John.  “I encourage him to step away from himself and focus on doing something that helps others.”

Donating platelets takes time, but John knows the gift will have a rapid impact.  He thinks about the people he’ll be helping while he reads or watches a video and his blood is being drawn.

“Early on, it was a sense of duty that motivated me to be a platelet donor.  But through the years, I’ve learned how important it is to give.  I’ve seen people who fight so hard to get well, it inspires you to give.”

The post John Hatfield appeared first on Donate Blood - The Blood Connection.

…Life of Good Samaritan Saved by Real Heroes

Travis Fortson had given blood since his college days at the Citadel. He always enjoyed helping others and gave as often as he could. But never would he have expected that blood would save his own life.

It was July 9, 2007, and Travis was driving on Highway 85, near Gaffney, when he saw a driver losing control of a car. The car hit a guardrail and crisscrossed the highway before stopping. Travis pulled over to the shoulder to check on the driver. The next few minutes were a blur. “All of a sudden, an 18-wheeler came right at me. I turned and tried to run,” said Travis. “But I knew I couldn’t outrun the truck, so I dived into a ditch.”

The truck driver was unable to reduce his speed in time to avoid the onlookers who had slowed due to the accident. The truck went off the road and ran directly through the accident scene. The truck went over Travis, leaving him with broken bones, and a leg injury that would require amputation. “I was lying on my stomach, and I knew something was wrong. The heel of my right foot was on my shoulder behind me.”

Travis was flown by helicopter to Spartanburg Regional in critical condition and later taken to Greenville Memorial. His wife Heather was in New York with their two daughters, Belle (age 6) and Amelia (age 4) when she received the frightening call. She boarded a flight to Greenville as fast as she could. “Travis entered the emergency room with the highest morbidity rate,” said Heather. “He wasn’t expected to live.”

Travis underwent 5 surgeries during his first three days in the hopsital. In the first, he was given 8 pints of blood, along with platelets. All arteries and veins in his leg were severed and his blood wouldn’t clot at the amputation site. In the second surgery, Travis was given 6 pints of blood. “The blood transfusions saved my life,” said Travis. “The blood needed to be there for me. I am lucky to be alive.”

Travis’ ‘Good Samaritan’ story touched the hearts of many throughout the Upstate and beyond. But he says the real heroes were his friends, his family, and the many who donated blood at blood drives after the accident. In fact, The Blood Connection reports that 173 units were collected in honor of Travis. Many of these came from Fortson’s church, Buncombe United Methodist Church. “For a long time, my daughters would ask me why I stopped on the highway,” said Travis. “They were mad at me and didn’t understand. I told them sometimes people need help. We can’t predict what will happen. You just have to do the right thing.”

The post Travis Fortson appeared first on Donate Blood - The Blood Connection.

Blood Donations Extend A Mother’s Life

Monica Pryor was a mother of 3 children and a stage 4 cancer patient. She had regular chemotherapy treatments, regular scans to monitor tumor growth, and physical therapy to help strengthen her weakened body. She had a family and community who stood by her faithfully while she battled ‘non small cell’ lung cancer.

In April, 2008, Monica took a turn for the worse and was admitted to St. Francis Hospital for oxygen and a blood transfusion. Monica’s mother remembers the doctor’s grave words. He said, “Are you ready to let her go? She’s getting worse. The doctor didn’t think she’d leave the hospital.”

Monica’s shortness of breath and severe drowsiness were caused by a lack of oxygen. She was given 3 units of blood that day and it dramatically changed Monica’s condition. The red blood cells carried vital oxygen to the tissues in her body, giving Monica six more months with her family and friends.

Monica Pryor defied all the odds, living almost 2 years after her cancer was diagnosed. She succumbed to her disease on October 27, 2008.

The post Monica Pryor appeared first on Donate Blood - The Blood Connection.

“I want to motivate others to diversify the blood supply.”

Larry Eaddy was visiting his parents in Greenville when his mother noticed something different about her son. His eyes had a yellow tint and he didn’t look well. At age 25, Larry was working in Atlanta and enjoyed boxing in his free time. He dismissed her concerns. “I felt fine,” said Larry. “I didn’t think there was anything wrong with me.”

Not long after, Larry lost his appetite and began to complain of fatigue and pain. He would soon learn he was suffering from a rare illness.

In November 2002, laboratory tests determined Larry had autoimmune hepatitis. At the time, doctors told him the illness was not an immediate threat to his health, and they wanted to monitor him periodically. Autoimmune hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, and can be chronic. It occurs when the immune system develops antibodies against the liver, mistaking the body’s organs as foreign, leading to organ failure.

Larry continued to have problems, and further testing revealed his gall bladder was not functioning properly and it had to be removed. Larry’s health continued to deteriorate, and in January 2005, he began to see a specialist. He moved home to be near his parents, Larry and Darlene Eaddy. “I experienced a lot of stomach pain, and lost a lot of blood from vomiting,” said Larry. “I received countless units of blood. My immune system didn’t recognize my liver as part of my body.” Larry’s body was slowly destroying his liver. The only cure was a liver transplant.

On April 8, 2006, Larry received a phone call that a liver was available. He and his family traveled to Charleston right away for the transplant. “I can remember waking up after the surgery feeling better immediately,” said Larry.

Today, Larry has a renewed life. He has more energy and he’s working hard to start over. He’s going to school to get a business and management degree, and enjoys family life with his son Lavonte. “Fortunately, blood was available when I needed it,” said Larry. “I hope my story will motivate more African Americans to donate blood and help diversify the blood supply.”

The post Larry Eaddy appeared first on Donate Blood - The Blood Connection.

“Thanks To Blood Donors”

In Memory of James Williams – (8/12/58 – 6/7/07)

James Williams spent his youth thinking his episodes of illness were normal. The Greenwood native grew up knowing only that he had the sickle cell trait. He lived constantly with pain, and many days he couldn’t play outside.

“We didn’t know much about sickle cell anemia back then,” said James in 2006. “My family took care of me the best it could.” At age 28, James was officially diagnosed with sickle cell anemia by doctors in Atlanta.

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited form of anemia, characterized by a shortage of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Those with sickle cell anemia have irregular shaped red blood cells that have difficulty passing through small blood vessels. Sickle Cells block blood vessels, keeping blood from reaching parts of the body, eventually damaging tissue and organs.

For over 20 years, James received countless units of blood. In 1996, he had congestive heart failure and began dialysis treatment for kidney failure.

“After 80 pints, I stopped counting,” James once said. “If it wasn’t for others, I would not be here.” James was dependent on blood donors.

In September, 1999, James received a kidney donation from his brother Michael. However, in 2005, the kidney failed and James beagn hemo-dialysis.

But despite all of his suffering, James knew he had beaten the odds for a person with sickle cell anemia. His doctors had not expected him to live as long as he did. Each transfusion gave him more time to spend with his wife, Anita, and their two sons. It gave him time to purchase a new home for his family. It also gave him time to pursue his calling to the ministry.

James preached his first sermon in April, 2007, at Morris Chapel Baptist Church in Greenwood. In May, he graduated from Interdenominational Theological Center.

“I believe James fulfilled his purpose in life,” said Anita. “He always had a smile and a kind word. We are forever grateful for the time we had with James.”

James Williams passed away on June 7, 2007.

The post James Williams appeared first on Donate Blood - The Blood Connection.

“What if the blood had not been there when I needed it?”

In February 2005, Nannie Pickens experienced what she thought was a heart attack. Blood tests revealed that her enzymes were elevated and EKG results were abnormal. “At the time I didn’t know what was wrong. I had trouble breathing,” said 55 year old Nannie.

A heart catheterization was scheduled to check for blood vessel blockages. But when an artery seal broke during the procedure, Nannie suffered an unexpected loss of blood. She had to have a blood transfusion. When she awoke she was surprised to learn that she had needed blood. “What if the blood had not been available when I needed it?” she said “I was so thankful.” However, Nannie continued to have breathing difficulties and eventually learned that the real problem was lung cancer. Fortunately, with treatment, Nannie successfully recovered. With improved health, Nannie found a new outlook. “I started thinking about how I was living,” she said. “I lost weight and started taking better care of myself.” Her experiences also motivated her to become an advocate for blood donation, talking specifically to the African American community.

Today, Nannie speaks out about the need for more African American donors. She speaks about how rare they are and that only 7.5% donate blood in Greenville and the Upstate. And she personally thanks donors whenever she meets them. Recently, she helped sponsor a blood drive at her church, Jesus Is Lord Ministry, in Easley. “Keep it up – it’s a blessing, a true blessing. I enjoy life now and I’m thankful for every day.”

The post Nannie Pickens appeared first on Donate Blood - The Blood Connection.

“I have seen a miracle”

In August, 2005, Darlene Coston received a call from her daughter’s third grade teacher. Her daughter, Hannah, was disrupting class.

“I thought she must have Hannah confused with another child,” said Darlene. “I had never heard anything negative about Hannah. She was always a quiet child.”

Soon thereafter, Hannah’s vision failed and she became forgetful. “She couldn’t dress herself,” said Darlene. “She forgot which way to put her pants on. Hannah was also drinking much more water and urinating frequently.

“Hannah was not acting like my little girl,” said Darlene. “I didn’t know this little person anymore. We took her to the doctor. Even though some people thought I was paranoid, I knew deep in my heart something was wrong.”

After a series of tests, a CT scan finally scan showed that Hannah had an inoperable brain tumor. Soon after, her brain swelled and she became paralyzed on one side. She wore diapers and could barely talk. Doctors also discovered she had diabetes incipidus, a condition caused by the tumor, producing more sodium than her body could process. At the time, she was eight years old.

“She would communicate with me through hand signals and strange sounds,” said Darlene. “It was scary to watch.” Hannah underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments followed by monthly blood transfusions. Gradually, she started to improve. “I would watch her cheeks and lips turn red and see her start to feel better,” said Darlene.

Today, Hannah is a ten year old at Cherrydale Elementary. She has 20-20 vision and likes to sing and dance. She also talks about her cancer journey with others. She was a guest speaker for Relay For Life and Hillcrest High School. She is happy to be alive.

“My husband had always been a big blood donor,” said Darlene. “This meant a lot more to us as we watched Hannah receive blood donations. When she sings Amazing Grace today it has such a special meaning. She once was blind, but now she can see. She couldn’t walk, talk or rollover. She was like an infant…I have seen a miracle.”

The post Hannah Coston appeared first on Donate Blood - The Blood Connection.