For 26 years, Zirate's biannual blood transfusions transformed her life, building trust in doctors and gratitude for blood donors. "They save me," she says. Blood donations are crucial, yet only 3% of the U.S. population donates. Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross.
By Anel Laj/American Red Cross
Fatigue, chest pains, and blood test results often lead to a trip to the emergency room, but this does not fill Beatriz Zarate with anxiety. Instead, she feels a sense of calm and looks forward to these trips as she knows they will help make her feel better and possibly save her life.
“It’s like a vacation; I feel relaxed,” said Zirate. “They save me. When I’m receiving blood, I feel like life is entering my body. I go in sick and come out healthy.”
For the past 26 years, Zirate has been receiving blood transfusions about every two years. During her first blood transfusion, she was hesitant and apprehensive, but she accepted the routine medical procedure because she was very sick — the experience changed her life.
The treatment and care she has received throughout the years has bolstered her confidence in the medical community and established trust in her doctors, which continues to strengthen over time. Zirate feels appreciative of the medical staff that attend to her, and grateful for the people who donate blood to help save her life.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, as blood transfusions help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries. This lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous blood donation. While the Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood, the need for blood is constant. Only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood annually which often leads to critical shortages when the demand for blood outpaces hospital blood supplies.
Zirate recommends that anyone who undergoes a blood transfusion should bring a family member with them. Having a family advocate helped improve her hospital visits and the quality of care; her biggest supporters being her daughter and her granddaughter Christina Rodriguez, who works as a Business Operations Specialist for the Red Cross.
Be a lifesaver for someone who needs blood to survive by making your donation appointment today at redcross.org/blood.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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