Thanksgiving 2025
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, food and maybe even a little football – at least here in Texas. It is a fun holiday for reconnecting with family and friends, but it’s also a reminder that some will spend their holiday in the hospital. As a community, we play a role in providing those receiving care with an opportunity to continue their recovery or fight against illness. This allows hospital patients to be able to spend more time with their loved ones.
As a reminder this Thanksgiving, and a thank-you to all who donate blood, several recipients have shared with us the impact blood donation has had on them and how thankful they are for blood donors.
James Taylor, a former cancer patient from Waxahachie:
“I was given so much blood when I went through my surgeries that I felt compelled to give to others as it was given to me,” James said. “Blood, platelets and plasma are not made. They have to be given. Blood banks are always low, but it only takes a moment of your time to donate to save another.
“I’ve committed to donating platelets at Carter BloodCare to give back.”
Breonna Brooks, a sickle cell patient from Dallas:
“Today, my mission is to serve as a beacon of hope for fellow sickle cell and blood transfusion recipients, to demonstrate brighter days and a promising future are not only attainable but well within reach,” Breonna said.
“I’m ready to open up, ready to share my entire story, and ready to be the advocate Carter BloodCare, sickle cell and other Americans need.”
Megan Jeske, a former difficult childbirth patient from Olney:
“I was so excited to come home to see my daughter. I remember holding her and just getting to soak her up, getting to look at all the features. It was one of the best feelings,” Megan said.
“I wouldn’t have made it home to be with my children if it wasn’t for blood donors. I am healthy and I have recovered because of the blood donations I received. To those donors, thank you. Now, I see the importance of blood donation and how it saves people’s lives. I would not be here to raise my daughters without your lifesaving gift.”
Yolanda Alsides, a former knee replacement surgery patient from Fort Worth
“Because of donors who gave their time and blood, I was able to see my daughter graduate that year and my other daughter graduate the following year,” Yolanda said. “My life forever changed after that moment, and I have made it my mission to make sure there are enough units available for the next emergency.
“To this day, when I see donors, I thank them for taking the time to donate. Because of people like them, I am still here.”
There are countless other stories, told and untold, of patients who needed lifesaving blood; patients who were able to spend more time with their families because someone donated blood. To read more about how blood impacts the lives of patients in North, Central and East Texas, visit www.carterbloodcare.org/give-for-texans.