By Josh Davis, Red Cross volunteer
Maria Bible of Elkridge, Maryland said she’s donated blood off and on ever since she was old enough, “just because it was the right thing to do.”
About 12 years ago, Bible went from being a donor to a major beneficiary of blood donations.
Her twin daughters, Catalina and Solana, were born more than 12 weeks early and needed blood transfusions to survive. One needed a second transfusion and was in the hospital for three months. The other spent her first two months in the hospital.
This year, both daughters started middle school. They are 11 years old, healthy and happy -- all because of blood donations.
Bible said she had preeclampsia and other symptoms that led to the premature birth. The scene in the hospital was dire.
“My blood pressure was like 186 over something and we tried to get everything down, but then my protein levels were too high. And the doctor said we're going have to [deliver the twins] because they were afraid that my body was going to start shutting down,” she said.
One baby was born weighing one pound, 15 ounces. The other, just one pound, 13 ounces.
“Within the first 48 hours they gave them a blood transfusion, and then one of them had to get a second transfusion a week later,” Bible said. “With preemies they're watching for bradycardia or oxygen levels, and it was a very scary time for me because I hadn't been through anything like that before.”
It was a harrowing scene, but it was one that Bible and her twin girls survived thanks, in part, to blood donations.
“Fast forward now, and my girls will be 12 in February, and they're in gymnastics, they're active and totally healthy,” Bible said. “I remember watching them practicing before their first competition, and I just got really overwhelmed. With everything that they've gone through to be here and when I hear now that there's shortages of blood and donors, I just feel really grateful.”
“… Luckily I don't have to think what would have happened if those transfusions weren't available.”
For anyone who is on the fence about donating or has never donated before, Bible said it’s a simple act and a little can go a long, long way in helping to save a life.
“It's really easy to do and it doesn't take long, and I think it's just very selfless,” she said. “My twins are here because of a blood transfusion. It helped them come along and look at them now.
“I'm just so thankful for people who donate blood,” she continued. “It's a little miracle in and of itself to be able to share, and it could help sustain somebody’s life.”
****
About 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, but only about 3% donates.
The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. A single blood donation can help save more than one life.
To schedule an appointment today to donate, visit RedCrossBlood.org.
11 year-old Catalina and Solana pictured doing what they love: gymnastics. The twins are happy and healthy thanks to blood transfusions they received in their first 24 hours of life.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!