“I lived because other people donated,” says Grapevine recipient Miriam
Miriam Ward knows the importance of blood donations firsthand, recalling, “I lived because other people donated.”
In December 2005, Miriam was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare and serious condition.
Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow cannot make enough new blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It can leave a person fatigued and prone to infections and uncontrolled bleeding.
“I was immediately given multiple transfusions of red cells and platelets in the hospital,” Miriam said. “I went into remission in the spring of 2009, once again being given red blood and platelets before and during an additional treatment.”
From her experience, Miriam recognized the life-changing support that blood donors provide and the importance of giving back.
“Approximately 10 years ago, I began helping a staff member at my church, First Grapevine Methodist Church, with the blood drives held there,” Miriam said. “Soon afterward, she retired, but I continued to be the blood drive coordinator. I felt a need to continue this service, because when I needed blood, it was there for me.”
First Grapevine Methodist Church holds four mobile blood drives a year in partnership with Carter BloodCare, and they launched 2025 with a productive turnout.
“On a cold Sunday in January, the first Carter BloodCare drive of the year was a huge success,” Miriam said. “Our goal was 21 donors. We had 39 sign-ins with a total of 38 units of blood collected, which is enough to save 84 lives. This could not have been possible without our very faithful donors, who never fail to disappoint.”
You can help local patients by donating at your nearby Carter BloodCare donor center or mobile blood drive. Like the dedicated donors at First Grapevine Methodist Church, you can also host your organization’s own blood drives with Carter BloodCare.
And, if you have ever received blood or platelets, your transfusion experience can motivate others to donate. Please Tell Us Your Story.