Giving is a critical link to saving lives

I recently read that Puget Sound Blood Center blood donations are down while trauma injuries are up during summer months. This seems a good time to raise awareness and express my appreciation for some giving people whom I have never even met, whose blood donations saved our 3-month-old son’s life in 2006 when an undetected cancerous tumor ruptured, caused massive internal bleeding. He had many blood transfusions throughout his resuscitation and perilous course of treatment.

After his long, painful recovery, he is a growing, thriving and happy 2-year-old. I have a debt of gratitude to the blood donors who gave our son a second chance. I also deeply appreciate the excellent doctors and nurses we are fortunate to have in our area.

Less than 10 percent of blood donors provide 100 percent of the blood for the Puget Sound region. Differing from plasma collection centers that pay people for blood products used for research, blood donations to the non-profit Puget Sound Blood Center are without compensation. Blood donations are screened and ready for hospitals and trauma centers, providing a safe blood supply to save lives in our communities. When taking time to give blood, normal, everyday people become a critical link in the chain to saving lives, right alongside our EMTs, doctors, nurses and surgeons.

When I hold my son in my arms, I sometimes think about the many units of blood needed to save his life and I silently bless those that took time to give.

Susan Emery