Niki Taylor, Nexcare help Red Cross kick off World Blood Donor Day campaign

written by Kimberly Hill, staff contributor

These limited edition bandages are going to Red Cross blood donors at select locations!



In 2001, world-renowned supermodel Niki Taylor, a longtime American Red Cross supporter and mother of four, was in a near-fatal car accident that left her unconscious for six weeks then bedridden for an additional month. She needed more than 100 units of blood to survive.

You never know when you or someone you love will need blood. That’s why Taylor partnered with the Red Cross and Nexcare Bandages to raise awareness and inspire action for the cause through the fourth annual Give campaign. The nationwide initiative begins today, World Blood Donor Day, and extends through the end of the month.

“I am proud and honored to be involved in the Nexcare Give program, and I hope that by sharing my personal story about how Red Cross blood donors saved my life, I can inspire people around the country to get involved,” Taylor said. “I encourage everyone to roll up a sleeve on World Blood Donor Day this year and give.”

New for 2012, the Red Cross will thank blood and platelet donors at blood drives and donation centers with a collection of limited-edition fashion bandages, while supplies last. The bandages were inspired by iconic trends from decades past and are adorned with the word “give” to demonstrate that “Giving Blood is Timeless.”

The Give bandages are a fun way to help spread the word about the need for blood this summer, a time when the blood supply often drops both in Texas and nationally. Eligible blood donors are encouraged to help reverse the trend. Right now, every blood type, especially O negative, O positive, A negative and B negative, are needed.

“We’re honored to team up with Nexcare Bandages and Niki Taylor to highlight this very special cause,” said Steve Nagle, CEO of Southwest Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. “We appreciate their dedication of our lifesaving mission and look forward to a successful partnership for years to come.”

In 2012 alone, nearly 6 million across the U.S. may require a blood transfusion. With no substitute for human blood, those in need rely on the kindness of donors. Through their actions, donors prove one person can make a difference in the lives of many, as one donation can help save up to three lives.

To pledge to support blood donation, request free Nexcare Give bandages and enter for a chance to win a trip for two to New York City, visit http://www.nexcaregive.com/ or text “give” to 34426. Standard data rates may apply.

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Blood Donor and Recipient Ray Baldwin Keepings Repaying, Giving Back

Written by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor

Pastor Ray shows service in action to the children's ministry he leads each time he donates blood.

British-born Pastor Ray Baldwin, thankfully, is not like many of our Red Cross blood donors. He was born as a twin with an extremely rare blood type of AARH-, or blue blood. He was told that "less than 1 percent of 1 percent" have that blood type.

At birth he had a blood transfusion - the 10th blood transfusion performed at that time in England. Sadly, his twin did not survive, but Ray went on to thrive.

As a young man, a rebellious stage landed him the hospital from a motorcycle accident where he received lifesaving blood for the second time in his life.

In 1976, Ray married a U.S. citizen and moved to the United States. In the late 1990’s, a friend of his was in the hospital and in need of blood. At that moment, Pastor Ray became the blood donor instead of the blood recipient.

"I felt a need to give," he said. "I'm here because someone gave blood." And so Pastor Ray decided to pay the generosity forward to the many others in our area who require blood transfusions.

In Fort Worth, he helped to organize blood drives at his church, Turning Point Church, where he is the children's pastor.

"If I can help somebody here on this earth with something I have, I'm going to do it," he explained. "It feels really good to give blood and help somebody else.

"And I hate needles," he added."Oh, you have no idea how much."

Ray received blood for the third time in his life after getting bucked from a horse.

"It's payback," he said. "I’ve used a lot of blood during my lifetime, so I'm going to give a lot."

So thankfully, Ray isn't like most of our blood donors, since most donors weren’t saved at birth and at subsequent time throughout their lives.

We say thank you to Pastor Ray for helping us show the power of a blood donation. It might just be yourself that you’re saving.

Join Ray and become a regular blood donor. Schedule a blood drive at your church or neighborhood gathering by visiting redcrossblood.org.

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The Power of One: Blood Services

By American Red Cross volunteer Joanna Jordan



Roger Warner, 64, has donated over 23 gallons of blood to the Red Cross. He started donating in the late 1970s when a friend with a cancer diagnosis needed blood.


“I thought it would be nice to do,” he says.

And it was. In fact, cancer patients who are going through chemotherapy treatment sometimes need blood as often as once a day. And without people like Roger, they wouldn’t be able to get their required transfusions.

Cancer patients aren’t the only people who find themselves in need of a blood transfusion. Someone in the United States — including car accident victims, newborns, sickle cell patients and so many others —needs blood every two seconds.

Roger says he’s happy to help provide blood for anyone who needs it.

“If one pint can maybe save three lives, that’s great. I think it’s good to do. If you’re physically able to do it, why not?” says Roger.

The Red Cross provides 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, and not without the donations of generous people like you. January is National Blood Month, so there’s no better time to do your part. Donate today!

Find out how to donate blood at http://www.redcrossblood.org/.

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Local high school students and faculty donate more than 100 units of blood

Students filled the high school hallway waiting patiently for their chance to make an impact in the community. Despite long lines, Garland High School (GHS) students and faculty rallied on Halloween to help answer the need for blood. More than 100 GHS students and faculty members came to donate 144 units of blood. Each unit of blood collected can help save up to three lives.

For most students, they look at donating as a rite of passage to adulthood as the legal age to donate in Texas without parental consent is 17. Whatever their inspiration may be to donate, students and faculty members left with feeling as though they made a difference. And they did! It is only with their kind donation that the Red Cross is able to provide blood to patients in need.

Thank you to the GHS family and their Health Occupation Students of America student organization for being an inspiring leader in the community!

To learn how your organization can host a blood drive or to donate, please visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/.

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So You Mean They’re Kinda Like Vampires Mommy?

Guest blog post by Allie with ScrewedUpTexan.com

Last Saturday, my husband and I decided we’d give blood at our church while the Red Cross was running a blood drive. Now I hadn’t given blood since my senior year in high school and to be honest with you I was nervous because in high school I remember being told I had passed out and I had scared the folks running the drive. So for me to actually go to the blood drive and donate again last weekend was an accomplishment in itself.

If you’ve never given blood or it’s been a long time since you last did, you’ll be happy to know that the process is very easy and simple. Basically, you sign in, answer a bunch of questions, get your finger pricked, answer a bunch more questions, and then wait your turn to have your arm stabbed by a big needle. Okay. Fine. The needle ain’t that big, but my mind tends to over exaggerate things like any good Southerner’s would. You know, like a really good gossip story.

We took our kids with us to the church so we could show them what we were doing and why we were doing it. When it was my turn to donate blood, I called my kids over and told them, “Come over here and give me a hug before I die!” Only two of the three did so. My youngest asked me:

“Mommy, what are they going to do with you?”

Me: “Oh, they’re just gonna take a little bit of my blood to give to someone else that needs it.”

Him: “How do they do that?”

Me: “Well, they stick a needle in your arm and then the Red Cross sucks it into a baggie.”

Him: “So, you mean they’re kinda like vampires, Mommy?”

Me: “Exactly.”

And then he ran off not to be seen again until he saw me eating the snacks for the donors. So I gave him a nutter butter bar.

Then I went home and passed out for an hour.

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How you can help save lives

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood is the only product that cannot be manufactured and can only be donated. When I go visit blood drives, I am often fascinated by stories of what motivates donors to give the gift of life. Many times the response is simple, “Why not?” Then, there is the thought of paying it forward – if I donate blood, when I need it someone else will donate to help me. Others like 23 gallon donor, Roger Warner decided to start giving to honor another. In Mr. Warner’s case he began donating to honor of a friend diagnosed with cancer. No matter the motivation, each gift of life is greatly appreciated.

Texas Red Cross supervisor, Alison Cook, shares her story of how blood donations saved her life.

“At the age of only 18, I received 25 units of blood following a car accident that led to seven months of hospitalizations. I’m so appreciative of the people who made that voluntary decision to give. Donating blood really taps into what each of us believes about living. It tells us something about what version of life we are choosing for ourselves and what version we believe someone else deserves. So many people are looking for that connection, wanting to be a little bit more engaged with things that matter and are permanent. Donating blood makes you that person.”

One blood donation can save up to three lives. Present to donate at any Red Cross blood drive in Texas by Friday, September 30 and you will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card. To schedule an appointment or find a drive near you, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

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Give Blood and Help Celebrate 40 Years of Lifesaving Blood Drives in Corsicana, Texas

When a member of the Corsicana community needs blood, fellow citizens roll up their sleeves to give. And that’s how it’s been for the past forty years.

One woman who shares responsibility for saving countless lives is Sue Wilson. As an unpaid volunteer for more than 30 years, Ms. Wilson made it her mission to set up monthly blood drives in Navarro County. Since 1971, Red Cross volunteers have held 12 drives per year, times forty years for a grand total of 480 blood drives. The number of people at each drive averages 20 for a total of 9,600 donors. Each pint a donor gives can save up to three lives so when it’s all said and done, the people of Navarro County, Texas have saved 28,800 lives through blood donations.

Today, the people of Corsicana will have an opportunity to join the Red Cross and thank area donors and volunteers for their lifesaving work. A special blood drive has been set up to honor the 40th anniversary. Being held at First United Methodist Church/Martin Hall, with a goal of course to collect forty pints of blood, the drive will last from 12:30p.m.-6:30p.m. To sign up for the blood drive, call 1-800-REDCROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org.

“We really want this drive to be a success in honor of our past and present donors and volunteers,” said Shelly Campbell, branch manager, American Red Cross serving Navarro and Ellis Counties. “When you stop to think how many lives have been saved over the past 40 years, it’s mind-boggling. But more mind-boggling is realizing that many of those lives would have been lost without our donors.”

Campbell goes on to say that this is the perfect time to donate blood. “The winter storms we’ve endured across the country have left the Red Cross blood supply dangerously low. In fact, we’re down by about 33,000 pints nation-wide and we need to put that blood back on the shelf before we need it.”

A special reception, beginning at 11:30a.m., will be held in honor of Ms. Wilson and top blood donors like Roger Warner who has given 23 gallons over the years.

If you have been a Red Cross blood donor or volunteer and have a story to share, please join the Red Cross at the special reception.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcrossdallas.org or join our blog at www.redcrossdallas.blogspot.com.

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Red, White & Vroom! Sweepstakes!

At the American Red Cross, we love our holidays. And boy, do we know how to celebrate!

To say thank you to all of our committed blood donors, the American Red Cross and Red Cross Racing are giving away a brand new 2011 Ford Fiesta, thanks to a generous donation by the Ford Motor Company.

Click here to enter the Red, White & Vroom! Sweepstakes!

It's easy to enter! Make sure you visit redcrossracing.com. The sweepstakes will end November 1, 2010.

Jump in and enter!

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We Turn To You

"For a shield, from the storm for a friend, for a love; To keep me safe and warm, I turn to you" When I hear this line from Christina Aguilera's 1999 song "I Turn To You," it makes me think of the work we do here at the Dallas Area Chapter. Day in and day out, victims of disaster turn to the Red Cross for help when life's storms take away all that they know.

Hurricane Katrina was quickly approaching the Gulf Coast when Denise and her six year old daughter raced away from their home to seek safe shelter at Reunion Arena, the Red Cross shelter set up in Dallas, Texas. Sadly, they soon learned that the hurricane destroyed everything they owned so they decided to start over in Dallas. The Red Cross, along with community partners, facilitated their transition by helping Denise find a job, an apartment and a school for her daughter.

Unbelievably, the family soon found themselves without a home again. Their apartment caught fire in the middle of the night. Denise said she felt completely helpless as they watched their lives disappear for the second time. Just like before though, she was not alone. The Red Cross was there to help as volunteers gave the family new clothes, meals, blankets, a few nights in a hotel and a teddy bear for the little girl.


When disasters happen, families turn to the Red Cross to provide a place to stay when they no longer have a home, to provide meals when they cannot eat and to provide a shoulder to cry on when they have nowhere to turn.


However, who does the Red Cross turn to for help? We turn to you, our community, and ask you to donate your time and money so we can help those whose lives have been ravaged by disaster. Just like Denise, we have needed to turn to you again and again for help and thankfully we have always found many of you willing to help each time.


In 2005, The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas saw the many needs that arose in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and they stepped up to help the Red Cross respond by making a generous donation. Then in 2008, when they saw how the Red Cross had to shelter 5,000 people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area during Hurricane Ike, they once again made a large donation to support relief efforts.


Now, two years later we are facing a tumultuous hurricane season. As NOAA forecasts 14 to 23 named storms, including 8 to 14 hurricanes, of which 3 to 7 could be major hurricanes, it is imperative that our community is prepared to offer help if needed. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas recognizes this need as well and this time has provided another gift to ensure the Dallas Area Chapter is prepared in advance.

Without a doubt, the Red Cross could not be more grateful for companies like The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas that take the lead in helping our community deliver care to those impacted by disaster. Without their support, we would not have anyone to turn to as we try to sustain hope during times of tragedy.


Whether it is a community evacuating because of approaching hurricanes or a family of two forced from their home by a fire, the Red Cross promises to respond and because of generous donors like The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and its member financial institutions, you can trust that when you turn to the Red Cross for help that it will be there.

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A Woman Finds a Common Bond Through Blood

I read this touching article earlier today about a woman who battled a rare strain of leukemia. She underwent 93 blood transfusions, from 17 people. In Jan., 11 donors jumped at the chance to meet the woman they helped save.

"Ray’s story puts a real face on the typically anonymous process of donating blood, and underlines how vital it is in medicine. Ray, 56, was diagnosed in 2008 with acute biphenotypic leukemia, an uncommon and often deadly blood disorder that accounts for just 5 percent of all leukemia cases."

Her life was saved by a handful of people who decided to donate one day.

How many lives have you saved? You can save three today by donating a pint.

For more information, visit redcrossblood.org. To learn more about how to help through taking a class, visit redcrossdallas.org.

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This month in American Red Cross history

Attention ladies and gentlemen... boys and girls. I have acquired a fancy new American Red Cross calendar that includes a ton of facts, statistics and tidbits throughout 2010.

Yes, I am excited about this.

Yes, you can be too (because I’ll pass some of it along to you).

This month in the American Red Cross...

Jan. 1, 1910, the American Red Cross began the first aid program. This year marks the centennial. I feel a celebration coming on... (see below)

Jan. 12, 1948, the American Red Cross opened its first blood collection center in Rochester, NY.

Both of these initiatives are still going on today with the support of our great volunteers and donors. Since I am on the text2help list, I should pass along the need for blood right now, especially O- (which can is a match for any blood type).

Our fearless leader, Gail McGovern, spoke yesterday about how she has a donation letter on her - the donation was for $2 and the letter mentioned that the individual wished he or she could have done more. In reality, they helped with what they could… and that is all that matters.

So, pat yourself on the back and sign up for a class or donate blood or money to continue the programs into the next century.

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Have no fear! There are many ways to volunteer!

The holidays are a great time to spread some cheer... show some love... give a little joy...

Have you thought about giving?

Have you thought about volunteering?

As we approach Thanksgiving next week, have you considered what you are thankful for? I encourage you to show someone a kind gesture and spread the thankfulness.

It can be a small gesture... buy someone's coffee, be a shoulder to lean on or give a gift to the American Red Cross - Dallas Area Chapter.

Of course, big gestures - giving blood or volunteering - can also go a long way to help someone in need. There are many opportunities to get involved and make a difference. If you choose to volunteer, the American Red Cross - Dallas Area Chapter has many opportunities available here.

So do something radical... or do something small. After all, it is the thought that counts.

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Tragedy Strikes. The Red Cross Responds.

As the events unfolded yesterday at Fort Hood, the largest military installation in the world, we were all reminded that life can indeed change in an instant. And when it does, we must all do our part to help those who are suffering.

At 2:40p.m., we got the first notification that a gunman had opened fire on the base. Like many of you, we were trying to determine exactly what had happened, how many people were involved and how we could help the U.S. Military as they dealt with this unspeakable tragedy. While we were busy setting up an operation, our thoughts were also with our American Red Cross workers who are stationed at Fort Hood.

Few people know that the American Red Cross and the United States Military have a long and rich history. In fact, serving military families was the initial reason the worldwide Red Cross Movement was created. The American Red Cross has upheld that tradition for more than 125 years.

Every day, the Dallas Area Chapter supports the military through a variety of programs. We work at the Military Entrance Processing Station in downtown Dallas. We conduct briefings to deploying service members and their families about how to access the Red Cross in case of a family emergency, and we provide an around-the-clock emergency communications system so that loved ones here can get word to those deployed when a crisis happens at home. Last year alone, we touched more than 16,000 military members from our local Red Cross chapter.

Yesterday was a painstaking day for all of us. We have a heart for the men and women who protect our country because we work side-by-side with them everyday. We knew we could help.

Almost immediately, the Red Cross shipped 63 units of blood and blood products to the trauma centers in the Fort Hood area. Another 150 units arrived on a Southwest Airlines flight last night, some going to Killeen and others staying here to keep our local hospitals operational.

An extended blood drive was established at our American Red Cross Blood Donor Center at 1 Medical Parkway in Farmers Branch. Donors came out until 11:00p.m. to roll up their sleeves. Today, we will continue collecting blood at that location until 8:00p.m. We expect a wonderful turn-out from people who want and need to help. For information on area blood drives, you can visit www.givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to make an appointment.

More than 200 concerned people have utilized our Safe and Well service. Family and friends around the country were able to go to Safe and Well and search for their loved ones at Fort Hood, or to register someone as safe. This is an invaluable service that brings tremendous peace of mind after any emergency. If you ever need this service, go to www.redcross.org and click on the Safe and Well link.

We fielded many calls from people like you who wanted to know the best way to help the people of Killeen. For that, we are always grateful. It reminds us that we have an important job to do at the American Red Cross and we can’t do it without you.

Late yesterday, we got word that all of our Red Cross workers stationed at Fort Hood were safe and accounted for. It was an enormous sigh of relief for the Red Cross family, but we know that at least 13 other families won’t have the same happy ending. So, as a Red Cross chapter, as a community, as a nation, we will press on in doing all that we can to alleviate the suffering of our Texas neighbors and our friends in the United States Armed Services.

Thank you for your care, your concern and your desire to turn your compassion into action. As we deal with these unspeakable tragedies, we are comforted to have you at our side.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones
Chief Executive Officer
American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter

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Send a text. Save a life.

The American Red Cross continually redefines how it communicates with its communities. We have heart-touching Facebook stories and Twitter weather alerts. Snazzy flickr pages and this lovely blog.

What will we think up next?

Well, I'm glad you asked.

Perhaps a leading edge way to contact a lot of people at once when blood is needed without relying on media to disseminate the message. Well, that’s just what we did.

The Red Cross Blood Services, South Central Division announced yesterday a new mobile media program that sends text messages about vital blood inventory levels, tips on a successful blood donation, early notification on new promotions, and allows subscribers to make their next donation appointment or locate a nearby blood drive.

How cool is that?!

I have already signed up since I’m a veteran. If you want to be cool like me you have two options to subscribe to the Red Cross texts:

• Send a text to 42227
• Register at bloodisneeded.org

However, if you want to save a life the “old school” way, you are more than welcome to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-488-3543) or visit bloodisneeded.org.

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Blood Confession (part 2)

A few weeks ago, I confessed that I have never given blood. My needle-phobia has not gone over so well in the past. To make it worse, after a week of plotting with my friend, Hannah, our hematocrit levels were just too low. The needed 12.5 was just out of my reach and way out of Hannah’s.

We were sent home, Red Cross blood donation shirts in tow, with the ultimatum to raise our iron level… or no donation.

After a few rounds of vitamins and several meals of fish and chicken, we returned with our hopes high and fingers crossed.

PRICK goes the first finger. Result: 12.2. I tried a second time and got a 12.5. I can give blood! Then I got the text message from Hannah: “Both of mine were below 10.6. I can’t give blood again.”

NOOOOOOO!

I walked to the back room to conquer my fear… alone. Actually, she followed me in there, but I was alone on the “Give Life” part.

So I got taped down and hooked up. Then I prepared myself.

“Don’t look at the needle,” Hannah said.

I covered my eyes, looked away and thought about my happy place. Actually, Hannah distracted me. I won’t lie. The needle hurt a little, but it was worth every ounce. It took about an hour. Hannah and I chatted. I even looked at the blood a couple of times… without throwing up or passing out. And that’s all that matters.

As I found out, the standard donation of blood is about one pint – approximately one-tenth of a person’s total volume. Scary as it may sound, blood refills itself after about 24 hours. Another fact, blood donations plummet dramatically in the summer.

So, thank you Marlee Matlin for reminding me how important it is to donate blood. I’ll definitely go again. If I can make it, I think you can too.

Click here for a few tips for a good donation experience. Good luck!

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Blood Confession (part 1)

I have a confession. I cannot believe I'm going to admit it. But, I am sure that some of you know exactly how I feel.

I have never given blood.

It is not because I don’t want to save a life, because I do. It is not because I have a disease that prevents me from giving blood.

I am terrified of needles.

It isn’t a “Goodness, needles are so scary” phobia. It is a knock-me-out-because-I-do-NOT-want-to-be-awake-if-you-are-coming-within-20-miles-of-me-with-a-needle phobia.

For example, a few years ago, I needed an IV for a MRI scan. The needle came out, and I went down. In fact, I passed out three times.

It actually went something like this: the needle emerges… I pass out… I throw up… I pass out… I throw up… the doctor picks me up off the floor… I pass out again.

In Marlee Matlin’s memoir, an American Red Cross celebrity cabinet member, wrote about the importance of giving blood. I started to feel really guilty. If I ever need blood, I hope that someone would be willing to share some of theirs with me, even if they are devastatingly afraid of needles.

Since today, is World Blood Donor Day, I thought it was a good idea to take my first step towards being a blood donor. After enlisting my friend, Hannah, to share in my horror, we headed to the nearest blood drive to face my fear.

They took us into rooms to check our iron levels. My result: 12.3. (In case you don’t already know, 12.5 is the minimum iron level needed to give blood. The reason behind this: the people receiving the blood need the best possible since they are already sick). After a second attempt (12.2), I realized the inevitable.

I couldn’t give blood.

Hannah ended with an 11.2. We should have looked over the tips for a good donation experience.

Determined not to let a lack of iron bring us down, we took the tips to heart and have been eating iron-rich foods, in addition taking good multi-vitamins. So, we will head back to the blood center after our iron is high. I’ll let you know how this time goes.

Until then… to be continued.

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