New Smyrna Beach, Florida
On Oct. 3, 2016 I lost my youngest brother, Carl, to stage 4 cancer. He was 41 years old and had a 7-year-old daughter. By the time he entered the hospital it was already too late for any type of treatment! He only survived for two weeks, however, that was two weeks longer that we had him that we wouldn't have if it wasn't for blood donations! The first day he entered the hospital he received two bags immediately and pretty much every day thereafter.
On the day before he passed he received five bags of blood. I couldn't understand why he needed so much blood? What I didn't realize was that it was due to the tumors. During that two weeks I went to see him every day. Even though he was sedated most of the time I still had some well needed time with him that I would not have had if it wasn't for all the wonderful donors who knew more than me and have been donating all this time.
So a huge thank you to all the A+ people out there. I asked right away when I realized what was going on if I could donate my own blood to him. They explained they don't do that any longer. I started my research and found OneBlood. Even though my brother didn't survive I felt the calling to give back and help in some small way. After grieving and feeling weak, as soon as we were up for it, my husband and I donated. I was told we each helped 3 people! I cannot tell you how rewarding and healing that was for us both. And guess what? Turns out my husband is A+ just like my brother was. How about that!
We now plan to donate as often as we are able to and I feel it will help to keep his memory alive and help others that helped us. Thank you again donors!
