Working with the American Red Cross New Jersey Region, two individuals stand as beacons of hope, embodying the spirit of altruism and compassion. Stacie Welsh, a resilient blood donor with a profound personal story, and Kim Goetz, the Executive Director at the American Red Cross of Central Jersey, shed light on the importance and profound impact of blood donation.

Stacie Welsh, a vibrant and proudly independent 63-year-old, embarked on her journey of blood donation during a critical juncture in her life. When her sister faced the daunting challenge of a premature delivery with triplets, Stacie's O+ blood type, the universal donor, became a lifeline for the newborns in need of transfusions. “She gave birth at 25 weeks, which was very, very early,” Stacie recalls. At first she designated her donations to go straight to the triplets; however, when the triplets no longer needed the blood, she still continued to donate. The messages from the Red Cross’ Blood Donor App telling her when and where her blood donations are used serve as a compelling incentive to continue her altruistic efforts.

Despite encountering personal health challenges, including a battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome, Stacie's resolve to help others never wavered. Through double red cell donations, which allows a donor to safely give two units of red blood cells during a single appointment, she defies physical limitations to make a difference in the lives of countless individuals. 

Stacie's advice to hesitant first-time donors echoes her own experience: "The worst part of it is the needle; once the pinch is done, that’s it.”

Kim Goetz, one of the driving forces behind the Red Cross's blood donation initiatives, emphasizes the perpetual need for blood within the community. With only a small fraction of the population actively donating, Kim underscores the importance of proactive engagement and education. 

“The need for blood is constant. Every day, any given day throughout the year, someone may present at a hospital, for any number of reasons, and need blood,” she explains, highlighting the urgent need for outreach efforts.

Kim's personal encounters with the transformative impact of blood transfusions within her own family reinforce the urgency of blood donation. From cancer patients to individuals battling various ailments, the infusion of donated blood breathes new life and vitality. However, Kim acknowledges the challenges of time constraints and misconceptions surrounding eligibility that hinder donation efforts.

Ensuring Safety and Quality

Kim reassures potential donors of the Red Cross's unwavering commitment to safety and quality standards. Rigorous health screenings and FDA protocols guarantee that every donated unit meets stringent criteria. Moreover, the convenience of blood drives across the state and accessible appointment scheduling platforms aims to surmount logistical hurdles.

Encouragement for the Hesitant

To those apprehensive about donating blood, Kim offers words of encouragement rooted in the transformative power of altruism. “Especially for something that you’re not sure about, it’s reasonable to be nervous. I always tell people it’s worth it because you really have the power to save somebody’s life,” she asserts, emphasizing the profound impact individuals can wield and fostering a sense of community.

As Stacie and Kim exemplify, the act of donating blood transcends mere altruism—it embodies the essence of humanity's collective resilience and compassion. Their stories underscore the vital role every donor plays in shaping a brighter, healthier future for all. 

MAKE A BLOOD DONATION APPOINTMENT

To learn more about blood donation or to make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App today.

By Volunteer Raquel Wynter