Give for Texans – Tammy’s Story

Blood donors are vital lifelines for cancer patients

“Because of their unselfish giving, I am alive today.”

Transfusions became an important part of Tammy Ingram’s recovery from cancer.

“My bone marrow wasn’t making blood cells fast enough,” she said.

According to America’s Blood Centers and ADRP, more than a quarter of the U.S. blood supply is used by patients battling cancer.

Nearly 2 million people are newly diagnosed with cancer each year; many require blood during their chemotherapy treatments. Persons with cancer may need blood transfusions because of anemia, low blood counts from treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, and blood loss during surgery.

In her own words, this is Tammy’s story:

I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November 2020. I started chemo, then had full open hysterectomy surgery in February 2021, followed by more chemo.

I finished my official chemo in May 2021 and my oncologist put me on a maintenance therapy drug. I did 15 of that.  

I underwent chemo, surgery and maintenance therapy.  

My hemoglobin went down last fall and I had to have four different blood transfusions. Hemoglobin is supposed to be above 12 for a female, but mine got down to the upper 5’s a few times. I was very appreciative for the four bags of blood I received. They saved my life.

Most people have no idea what it’s like to need that blood. I hope most never have to know. But it’s sure an awesome feeling to have that blood go into you.

To the people who donated those four pints of blood, I would say thank you for saving my life. It’s because of each of you that I am here today.  

Because of their unselfish giving, I am alive today. I never fail to be forever grateful to those who give blood to help people like me.

Donating blood saves lives. I am living proof of that. Getting blood saved me.

You can’t make fake blood; it’s got to be the real thing. When someone sits in a chair giving blood, there’s someone like myself, somewhere in the metroplex, sitting in another chair getting blood – and ever so grateful they got the call that a match was found and to come in for the transfusion.

You can make a lifesaving difference by donating blood, platelets or plasma. Please make an appointment by calling or texting 800-366-2834 today.

Your story as a blood donor or recipient can save lives by motivating others to donate. To share your story, please visit our Tell Us Your Story webpage.