By Alana Mauger
American Red Cross volunteer Brett Keibach knows a thing or two about blood. He’s not only a regular blood donor but also a blood donor ambassador—a volunteer who greets and assists donors at blood drives. But Brett’s knowledge of blood runs much deeper.
Blood helped save Brett’s life when he was a child. And now, at age 29, he is committed to giving back as much as possible.
“I’m grateful and lucky to be here,” he said at a recent blood drive in Philadelphia. “It’s important to me to return something.”
When he was in fifth grade, Brett was hit by a car and suffered life-threatening injuries. The accident shattered both of his legs and caused head trauma, among other serious damage. He was flown by helicopter to Hershey Medical Center, where he spent more than a year.
“At one point, my parents were told that I probably wouldn’t live,” Brett said.
But live he did. Brett is thankful to all the people and resources that helped make his recovery possible—from the outstanding medical care he received, to the generous blood donors who provided lifesaving transfusions, to the Ronald McDonald House that gave his family a place to stay.
Today Brett lives by the motto “give back, work hard.” In addition to his Red Cross work, Brett volunteers with Philabundance, the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief nonprofit. He also runs half marathons. That’s pretty inspiring for a guy who broke both femurs as a kid.
Most recently, Brett and a team of Red Cross volunteers have been supporting COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts at various sites in Southeastern Pennsylvania. These volunteers are greeting people, providing directions and information, and handing out water and snacks.
“I feel like I have a reason to be here. It’s to give back,” Brett says.
O so needed
When a patient arrives at a hospital, it’s the blood already on the shelf that saves a life. Having type O negative blood on hand is especially critical for trauma patients. As the universal blood type, it can be transfused to all patients, saving the medical staff precious time when seconds count. This Trauma Awareness Month, you can help ensure blood is there when it’s needed by scheduling an appointment to donate.
Volunteer With Us
The vital work of the Red Cross is made possible by people like Brett who share their passions and talents with us. The Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania is actively recruiting volunteer drivers and blood donor ambassadors to support blood drives, but many other positions are available to match your interests and skills. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
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