Health & Fitness
When the phone rings and life changes will blood be there when you need it?
I received an early morning phone call, the ones that ring sound doom through your home and send fear into your heart.
Dear Donors,
I know that you receive frequent emails regarding blood donation. I hope you take a moment today to read below, reflect and schedule an appointment for our upcoming blood drive on June 22, 2012 at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.
As your site coordinator for the past year we’ve talked during the drives about stories of survivors and stories of donation. But, please allow me to share a very personal story. A month ago on May 11, 2012 I received an early morning phone call from my mom who is 1800 miles away.
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My younger brother Kyle, who is 30 years old, was a victim of crime in my hometown in Florida. Kyle was dead on arrival at the local hospital. Trauma surgeons immediately began blood transfusions to save his life. Kyle received 50 units of blood in the first few hours while surgeons desperately tried to save his organs and his life. 50 units! That’s 50 people who saved his life!
Never have I been so humbled by the fact that my own brother was saved by so many people who so generously have given of their blood, their time and their efforts. I know just how hard it is to encourage 50 donors to come to a blood drive. I know how valuable your time is and I KNOW how generously you all have given. I thank you!
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On May 29th, my family and I worked with a pizzeria in my hometown and along with the Florida Blood Center and The VanDuzer Foundation, I organized a blood drive 1800 miles away. The blood center sent out a bus and with 4 days notice we arranged to coordinate 50 donors to REPLACE the units Kyle received to save his life. I am proud to say that many supporters, friends, family and members of the community who “just saw the bus and decided to give” showed up and 47 pints were collected in just 6 hours.
Please consider my story. I am your site coordinator here at St. Philip’s in Rochester. There are many people in our own community that face these traumas every day. Let’s continue to give people a second chance at life. Their families really are eternally grateful for your service.
Sincerely,Stephanie Ubaydi
Please make you appointment online by using the link above and the sponsor code “stphilip” or if you prefer please call me at 248-652-8399 to schedule directly with me.
