Team Survivor & Patient Stories
Impact of Blood Donation
These are faces of lives saved by blood donations. Blood products are needed every day to help patients in local hospitals survive and thrive. Meet these grateful blood recipients and members of San Diego Blood Bank’s Team Survivor Program.
Regina M. was diagnosed with right coronal craniosynostosis (a skull deformity) at four-months-old. During corrective cranial surgery, Regina received a lifesaving blood transfusion. She may need more blood transfusions in the future as more surgeries may be needed.
Selina was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia at two weeks old. She receives monthly blood exchanges where some of her sickle cell blood is removed and restored with healthy blood cells, all thanks to volunteer blood donors.
Caroline W. was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma in 2013. She underwent many rounds of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and six rounds of antibody-driven immunotherapy. During treatment, Caroline received several blood and platelets transfusions. Today, Caroline is clear of the disease! She loves to dance, read, and play with medical equipment.
Max M. was born prematurely and became anemic due to a rare blood type incompatibility. He required a blood transfusion after being diagnosed at Rady Children’s. Now he is doing well and his parents are so grateful to San Diego Blood Bank and all of those who donate blood.
Army Veteran and former Police Officer, Eric F., was diagnosed with leukemia on May 1, 2015. The father of six trained in Iraq and served valiantly with K9 bomb dogs. Some of Eric’s hobbies are hiking, riding his Harley, and kids sports. During chemotherapy, Eric received more than 20 lifesaving blood transfusions. Eric is currently in remission and enjoying time with his family.
Greyson E. was born with a congenital heart defect and at just one-day-old he underwent his first open-heart surgery. Greyson’s second open-heart surgery was at six-months-old and his third at three-years-old. He has received several blood transfusions and may require more in the future. Greyson is a happy, energetic little man. He loves superheroes and playing with his two sisters.
Bryan C. experienced multiple life-threatening injuries when struck by a truck while riding his bicycle to work. During his long recovery, he required many units of blood products. He thanks all those who donate blood and support San Diego Blood Bank and is now a dedicated platelet donor!
Kennedy K. received blood transfusions to help treat aplastic anemia before undergoing a successful bone marrow transplant in 2007. Today, Kennedy is healthy, thriving, and plans to pursue a medical career. Kennedy is grateful for blood donors and her wonderful life.
Waylon was born in 2012 with severe respiratory distress. During the 13 weeks after his birth, he had two lifesaving surgeries and 50 blood transfusions.
Stefanie S. was transfusion dependent for eleven years due to aplastic anemia. Thanks to a bone marrow transplant in 2007, Stefanie is completely recovered, is a graduate from George Washington University, and is now a physician assistant. She works locally in Hematology/Oncology and enjoys spending time with her family in San Diego.
Gabriella “Ella” M. iis dependent on biweekly blood transfusions to treat a life-threatening form of anemia—beta-thalassemia major. She has been receiving transfusions since she was a baby and will continue to need blood to stay healthy. At Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, Ella conquers day-long transfusions and hospital visits with a positive attitude and appreciation for those who donate blood. Ella, her mother Erica, and family members frequently attend mobile blood drives and donation locations to thank blood donors for the precious gift they give.
Kamila has beta-thalassemia major, a hereditary and life-threatening form of anemia that requires regular blood transfusions. Her first blood transfusion occurred when she was just two months old, and she has celebrated more than 100 total blood transfusions. A nurse at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego introduced Kamila’s mother to Ella’s mother, and together their families support each other and San Diego Blood Bank. They are so grateful for the lifesaving transfusions that keep their children alive and healthy.
Mercedes required regular blood and platelet transfusions to keep her healthy while battling leukemia. It was generous blood donors who ensured she stayed healthy while waiting for a successful bone marrow transplant. Today, she is in remission, newly married, and shares her gratitude often at blood drives and San Diego Blood Bank events.
Micah B. was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma when he was 15 months old. Many years of treatments required several blood transfusions. Today, Micah is still very active playing with cars, riding his bike, reading books, and loving school when he can attend.
Charlene W. was diagnosed with stage-4 colon cancer, which metastasized to her liver and required surgery. During treatment she received multiple blood transfusions and after recovery was able to beat cancer. Charlene is grateful for her health and encourages anyone who can donate, to give the gift of life.