Donors and recipients share personal stories in the mission to save lives

As we look ahead to the promise of a new year, we also reflect on the positive, life-changing impact of blood donation throughout 2022.

Thanks to donors, Carter BloodCare delivered 1,200 blood products – units of red blood cells, platelets and plasma – daily to local hospital and medical facilities to treat patients in need, with 440,000 blood products provided during the year.

There are several reasons donors choose to give, just as there are different circumstances that lead to the need for blood.

We are grateful to the Carter BloodCare donors and recipients who share their following stories on the importance of blood donation.

Donors are lifesavers

“I started giving blood many years ago because my father had to receive blood due to a medical condition. I wanted to give back to people in need since so many had given when he needed transfusions.”

Stanley G., Longview

Ciarra M.

“The first time I donated was at my high school blood drive. I wanted to do something good and I knew there were people who needed blood. I’ve kept donating ever since and I plan to for the rest of my life. I want to help save the lives of whoever needs it.”

Ciarra M., Fort Worth

Carol C.

“My parents inspired me to be a blood donor. Both of them are five-gallon donors. Donating blood is such a simple way to help save lives.”

Carol C., Allen

“Once I found out I was a universal donor, I felt – since I was healthy and able – donating blood could be something I do for my community. I like to go with one to three friends at a time. It increases our donations and it’s a lot more fun to have friends around. It holds us accountable to each other, too.”

Sarah F., Frisco

“I’ve always known how important a blood donation can be. I have B- blood, so I can help those at high risk of not having enough of the type they need.”

Shawna O., Cleburne

Connor G.

“I just love helping others by donating blood. It’s so crucial to give to people who need our help.”

Connor G., Rockwall

“I am a healthy 62-year-old blood donor. I am grateful to give blood and I always wonder, ‘Whose life will this save?’”

Rita K., Plano

“I give blood because I want to give back what I was given. I received six units after giving birth to my children. I would not be with them today without lifesaving donations.”

Megan J., Olney 

Recipients share their gratitude

“If not for the blood donations of others, my little girl probably wouldn’t be here today to celebrate Christmas with us.”

                                                                                                                        Sandi Y., Keene

“I was in a rollover car wreck and lost enough blood that at one point they could not find my pulse. Without blood donors, I would not have survived.”

                                                                                                                        Sherry S., Mesquite

“I was diagnosed with a rare and congenital blood disorder at the age of 7. That was the year I found out I would need blood transfusions to have a better quality of life. If I did not have transfusions, I would be very weak and tired all the time. I honestly don’t know what I would do without all the people who donate; I have had over 200 units of blood in my lifetime. Two of my children are also transfusion-dependent since the age of 5. Because of donors, we get to live a little longer and feel a little better. Thank you so much for your generous donations that help me and my kids. You are truly heroes.”

                                                                                                            Savannah P., Whitehouse

“I was dying. I didn’t know it, but I was. I’d gone to and been dismissed by my gynecologist for light bleeding. A couple of weeks later, I collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where they told me I was having an ectopic pregnancy. The baby was growing in my fallopian tube and I’d gradually lost four pints of blood. The hospital staff said that had I not come in when I did, I would’ve died that night. I’m so grateful for blood donors because their donations saved my life. Because of blood donors, I’m still here. I’m a mom and an artist, and it was all made possible by blood donations.”

                                                                                                            Misty L., Cleburne

“I have donated since high school, but never knew the true meaning of donating until I and my child became recipients. I am so grateful for donors who are willing to give up 45 minutes of their day for a donation to save someone else’s life.”

                                                                                                            Michelle P., Waco

“I was very sick and admitted to the ICU for five back-to-back transfusions. I was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia and needed blood transfusions every couple of weeks until I had my bone marrow transplant. During my transplant hospital stay, I needed blood and platelets. Today, I am in remission and do my best to remind people to donate blood. I am so grateful for my dad for going to Carter BloodCare and donating blood multiple times since I was first sick.”

                                                                                                            Marianna D., Dallas

“My daughter was expecting her second baby when she started experiencing bleeding issues and her doctor instructed her to head to the hospital. She was in surgery for over six hours and went through 53 pints of blood, platelets and plasma. We thought we were going to lose her, but God had a different plan. She walked out of the hospital with baby number two the following Sunday, and mom and baby are both doing great now.”

                                                                                                            Cindy H., Lantana

“When I walked into my dad’s hospital room and realized blood was going into him, it made me cry. Thank you to all donors.”

                                                                                                            Julie M., Arlington

“Our 13-month-old daughter was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in May 2022 and our world was devastatingly turned upside down. We have been hospitalized since then while she undergoes aggressive chemotherapy. The cancer and chemotherapy have caused her blood counts to drop to dangerous levels at times. Without the lifesaving blood and platelet transfusions, our baby would not be with us here today. To date, she has received seven whole blood and four platelet transfusions, with many more in her future as we await bone marrow transplantation. We are going to spend the rest of our lives trying to repay the generosity of the donor blood she has received to save her life.”

Mary H., Westworth Village


You can make a lifesaving difference for neighbors in need by donating blood, platelets or plasma. Make an appointment at a Carter BloodCare donor center or mobile blood drive near you, or call 800-366-2834 today.

Your experience as a Carter BloodCare donor or recipient can save lives by motivating others to donate. Please share your experience and Tell Us Your Story.