World Blood Donor Day: Generosity and gratitude motivate Michelle Levy to ‘pay it forward’

Editor’s Note: Each year on June 14, the American Red Cross joins the World Health Organization (WHO) and blood collection organizations around the world to celebrate World Blood Donor Day. In its 20th year, the day provides an opportunity to thank blood donors across the world for their life-saving donations over the years and honor the profound impact on both patients and donors.

Dan and Michelle Levy with their daughters Brooke and Marissa. Submitted photo

By Maureen Zug

Several weeks ago, I met Michelle Levy, whose husband Dan was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, a highly unusual cancer for someone in their early 40s. Michelle is on a mission to “pay it forward” by giving blood herself and encouraging others to donate.

While many patients are not diagnosed until they are well in the advanced stages of the disease, Dan was fortunate that the same gastroenterologist who treats his celiac disease caught the cancer early. At the time of his diagnosis, his young daughters were ages 6 and 3.

Treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic

A course of cancer treatment for anyone is fraught with uncertainty and stressors on family life.  Michelle characterized Dan as a “loving, nurturing, supportive, person” in his roles as father to their daughters, great husband and dedicated educator to his grades 3 and 4 special education students.

Dan was diagnosed just prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and started his treatments in January 2020.  He alternated his treatment sessions between Doylestown Hospital and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Due to pandemic restrictions, Dan sadly spent many of his treatments and hospital stays alone.  Michelle and the girls were limited in the interactions that they could have with the outside world due to Dan’s suppressed immune system.

Dan underwent chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.  The stem cell transplant was done using his own processed cells.  However, the blood, plasma and platelet components that Dan received during his treatment came from generous blood donors who rolled up a sleeve to give at mobile blood drives and Red Cross blood donation centers. Blood components are essential to the treatment of cancer patients and are a life-giving gift!

Michelle’s hope for the future and an important message

As is the case surrounding most cancers, the first remission is the most important with swift movements of gains in cancer research and medical technology.   While Dan’s cancer is currently in remission, mantel cell lymphoma is currently classified as incurable and can reoccur, requiring intensive treatment. Michelle, Dan and their daughters, now ages 10 and 7, remain hopeful that Dan will remain in good health.

Michelle encourages all those who are healthy and able to donate blood. “Even if you do not have money to donate, you can still be philanthropic by donating blood,” she said, adding that the Red Cross has great after-donation snacks! She describes her “intentional, philanthropic” motivations for donating blood to the Red Cross as “paying it forward” on behalf of her husband, who is unable to donate. As a Human Resource Manager in her workplace of more than 1,000 employees, she is spreading the word of the value of donating blood.

All Red Cross blood donors are notified of where their blood donation is sent.  Michelle recently found out that her latest donation went to West Virginia, where it was most needed.  She liked the human connection that this message carried with it.

In closing out our chat, I thanked Michelle for sharing her family’s Red Cross story.  It certainly was inspirational!  I hope that she has motivated you, too, to become a blood donor. It does not take much to be hero to a patient.

To schedule an appointment to donate, visit RedCrossBlood,org, call 1-800-REDCROSS or download our free Blood Donor App.

Stacey Morris is grateful for blood and platelet donations

By Alana Mauger

Stacey Morris at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Horsham.
Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

In March 2019, Stacey Morris made an appointment to see her doctor, concerned about feeling tired and noticing some unexplained bruises on her body. She had blood drawn as part of the exam. The next day, her doctor called with an alarming directive: go to the ER immediately.

Stacey was admitted to the hospital and received 2 units of red blood cells and 1 unit of platelets. After months of testing, including a bone marrow biopsy, and more transfusions of both blood and platelets, Stacey was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia and borderline MDS (myelodysplastic syndromes – conditions that can occur when the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow become abnormal)

“I can’t even explain the feeling when you don’t have enough blood in your body,” she said. “It’s like a dream state. Those transfusions made an immediate difference.”

In total, Stacey received about 20 units of blood and 8 units of platelets. Because she had an adverse reaction to her initial platelet transfusion, she required HLA-matched platelets (human leukocyte antigens — proteins on most cells in your body) going forward. The American Red Cross helped by finding a donor that matched her needs. She shared that every time she needed a platelet transfusion, the Red Cross contacted that donor, who then scheduled a platelet donation specifically for her!

“The Red Cross has literally saved my life,” she says each time she shares her story. “I wish I knew who my platelet donor was so I can thank them personally.”

Stacey is two years into a process to “reboot” her bone marrow through medication. She’s currently on the lowest medication dose to date and recently underwent a second bone marrow biopsy to see if her bone marrow is functioning properly. If not, Stacey may undergo a bone marrow transplant. 

About a year ago, she felt well enough to go back to work part-time as a dental assistant. She resides in Linfield, Pennsylvania with her husband and 3 teenage children.

Get the facts about tattoos & blood donation

By Alana Mauger

Got ink? I do. So does nearly half of the U.S. adult population. That’s a lot of people. So it’s a good thing that having a tattoo (or nine, in my case) DOES NOT disqualify us from donating lifesaving blood to the American Red Cross.

In states that don’t regulate tattoo facilities, like Pennsylvania, you need to wait three months after getting ink before you can donate blood. Why? While all blood donations are screened for Hepatitis B and C with several tests, there may be a period of time before the viruses can be properly detected. In addition to Pennsylvania, this applies to other unregulated states, including Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Utah and Wyoming, as well as the District of Columbia.

But there’s good news. Three months isn’t very long; in fact, the FDA reduced the waiting period from 12 to three months in June 2020.  And there’s NO wait time between getting ink and giving blood in other states as long as your tattoo is applied a state-regulated facility using sterile needles and ink that is not reused.

More into piercings? You’re not alone; 61% of the adult U.S. population has a piercing, with earlobe and ear cartilage being the most common. You should wait three months to donate blood after getting a piercing if it was performed with a reusable gun or other reusable instrument or if you don’t know whether or not the instrument was single use. (Note: Even though the equipment is sterilized and single-use jewelry is inserted, ear-piercing guns used at many retail stores are considered reusable.)

Here’s another stat – only 3% of age-eligible blood donors give blood each year. Arms – inked or not – are sorely needed right now to help the Red Cross recover from a severe blood shortage. You can help by scheduling an appointment to give blood or platelets. Download the free Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to get started.   

Brett Keibach, Accident Survivor, Gives Back

By Alana Mauger

Brett Keibach volunteers at the 6abc American Red Cross Blood Drive on March 25, 2021 at the Courtyard by Marriott on City Avenue in Philadelphia. Photo by Dana James

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.

A Needle-Phobe’s Guide to Blood Donations

Written by Sam Antenucci

My father is a universal donor, meaning he can donate his blood to anyone who needs it. He donated as frequently as he could, often donating plasma as well. He did this for years, up until he was diagnosed with cancer.

Knowing that blood can help burn-victims, transplant patients, those battling cancer etc., made me want to step up and take my father’s place on the donation table. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, making donations not just important but the difference between life and death.

My first donation was in September of 2014 and I had some concerns going into my first blood drive. Like many other first-time donors, I didn’t like needles. I walked into a room bustling with nurses, donors and soft rock playing in the background. I was greeted by the warm faces of volunteers at the registration table and led to the back for a mini-physical where I answered a few general health questions and had my vitals taken. Once the physical was finished, I was on track to donate.

I laid down on the table as the nurse and I chatted away about being a first-time donor. She explained everything and tried to ease my fear of needles, reminding me that each donation goes to those in need. Before I knew it, the needle was in with a slight pinch and I was only ten minutes away from filling my first pint of blood! Between the music and the friendly staff, time zipped by and I was able to hop off the table and enjoy the refreshments waiting for donors afterwards. From there, my blood was sent to the blood donation center in Philadelphia for processing and testing.

Four years later, I’m still donating to this day, especially since blood supplies have been noticeably low during the summer months. To make matters worse, the number of Red Cross donors decreased each year, leaving many hospital’s supplies low, shelves empty and patients in dire need of transfusions. Now is better than ever to make the decision to save lives by donating blood.

By taking 15 minutes out of your day to donate blood, you can save three lives and give patients a chance to keep fighting. You don’t need a special reason to give blood, just one that motivates you. Some donate because of friends, some do it because they believe it is the right thing to do, and there are some who do it for the free cookies. Regardless of the reason to give blood, I would like to offer advice for new-donor jitters – take pride in the good you are doing, relax with music or chat with the staff, and be prepared before you donate by eating a good meal with plenty of water. It is a rewarding experience that changes the lives of those in need.

 

To find more information on where you can donate, you can go to https://rdcrss.org/2ORL31P to find a blood drive near you.

ALERT: Patients who rely on blood and platelet transfusions need your help now!

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors of all blood types to give now to help address a winter blood donation shortage that could affect patient care.

Here’s how you can help:

1. #GiveNow: Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
2. Let your friends and family know there is an urgent need for their help. New and current donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure the Red Cross can meet the needs of patients every day and is prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood.
3. Bring a friend to donate with you.

You can help ensure that blood products are there for trauma victims, premature babies, patients going through cancer treatment and others who rely on the generosity of volunteer donors. Please make an appointment to give blood or platelets now and help save lives.

<Links used in blog:

• Blood Donor App – redcrossblood.org/bloodapp
• Red Cross website – redcrossblood.org>

Local High School Senior Forms RC Club

Volunteer Spotlight

By: Elizabeth McLaren

Agnes Han, a senior at Downingtown East High School, knows a thing or two about initiative. With aspirations to become a physician, Han wondered what she could do about the lack of high school clubs available to her that focused on health and wellness.

So she created her own, founding Downingtown East’s Red Cross Club during her junior year to explore her passions and “to get myself and others more involved in helping others medically.”

Her vision produced results. “We started with about five people, but over the course of year, it grew to around 25 people,” Han says. “Officers do most of the work. Our teacher advisor, Mrs. Resnek, helps us when we need it and lets us know when we can hold meetings. Other than that, the students pretty much run the show.”

Han currently serves as club president, and is part of a five-member team of officers including fellow students Jordan Guistwhite as vice president, Megan Osterstag as treasurer, Ian Goodstein as secretary and Kate Dippolito as head of fundraising.

The next order of club business for Han was volunteer training for Red Cross Blood Services with the Tri-County Chapter. She became a Blood Donor Ambassador. “A lot of it was fairly straightforward and things I could learn on the job. I met once or twice with Blood Services to review safety protocols and such,” she says.

Han started doing registration at blood drives after she completed training. “The first thing donors see is us – registration – and it’s my job to get them all signed in and ready to go with a smile on their face,” she adds.

Her first blood drive was also her most memorable. “It was the WMMR blood drive that Preston and Steve hosted. I remember feeling at ease and not at all awkward because all of the other volunteers were so friendly. The one volunteer who I got a chance to talk to a little bit, loved mascots and chased around the man in the Blood Drop costume, wanting to take a picture. She was hilarious,” Han recalls.

With college applications on her agenda these days, Han recognizes that both the Red Cross Club and her volunteer role have helped prepare her for the future. “The Red Cross has shown me the joy in helping others through medicine and I’m glad I joined because I was able to learn a lot about the process of giving blood and the mechanics behind the different types of blood,” she says.

The idea of the club continuing after she graduates is something Han loves. For now, Han said that she and the Red Cross Club members are busy setting up a fundraiser for hurricane relief. They are also hoping to host a blood drive in the spring.

Han has a bit of Red Cross volunteer inspiration of her own, too. She adds, “Get involved early and become an active volunteer! Help out with whatever you can and don’t be afraid to ask questions!”

Hooray for Howard Stoekel and Wawa!

Tuesday, the American Red Cross of Southeastern PA hosted its 30^th annual Citizen of the Year breakfast. This year, we were thrilled to give the award to our friend and partner of many years Wawa CEO, Howard Stoeckel.

The Citizen of the Year Award honors an individual who has shown commitment and compassion to the entire community without regard to race, religion, gender, or status in times of need. Howard Stoeckel is the perfect recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award because of his commitment to his community and the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

While the Red Cross is dependent on the generosity of individual donors, our corporate partners are also essential to the success of our mission. Their sponsorship of fundraising events such as The Red Ball, the Red Cross Walk and Run, and our annual Red Cross Cup golf outing provides us with important resources for our work and maintains our profile in the community.

Mr. Stoeckel and Wawa helped the Red Cross meet its goals in another essential area: blood donation. Over the last eight years Wawa has hosted 584 American Red Cross Blood Drives, collecting more than 21,000 units of blood and helping to save approximately 65,000 lives across our region. Wawa’s efforts over the last year helped generate more than 4,700 units of blood being donated to the American Red Cross. Those 4,700 units of blood gave a second chance to more than 14,200 hospital patients across our region. Mr. Stoeckel supports his employees’ extraordinary gift to their community. He says, “Wawa’s long-standing partnership with the American Red Cross is one of the most meaningful ways we contribute to our communities.  We are so proud of our associates’ efforts to host blood drives throughout the year, to volunteer their time and to donate blood.”

Howard Stoeckel and the Wawa Corporation represent the epitome of corporate partnership and responsibility. Wawa employees and associates give back to their communities in a very elemental way. Mr. Stoeckel reminds them that one pint of blood can assist as many as three people. He writes, ” I am truly proud to say that at Wawa, our world is large one, filled with endless possibilities due to the caring nature of our associates and our customers.” His personal commitment to social responsibility influences others to act accordingly and give their time, energy and life’s blood to their community. His dedication and that of his employees yields spectacular results

Today we recognize Howard Stoeckel for all he does for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Please join me in thanking him and congratulating him as the 2012 American Red Cross Citizen of the Year.