“My father, my daughter, and myself – all our lives were saved by the kindness of others.”
Alexis Nix faced a near-fatal accident in 1988 in a motorcycle crash so horrific that both she and her father needed blood transfusions to save their lives. Her father broke both his legs, suffered a severe injury to the femoral artery, and experienced brain contusions. Multiple surgeries, blood transfusions, and several facial lacerations helped them both get back on their feet and walking again.
Years later, Alexis's daughter, Kylie, was diagnosed with Evan’s syndrome: a rare, chronic disorder in which the body's immune system produces antibodies that mistakenly destroy red blood cells, platelets, and sometimes certain white blood cells. Alexis recalls the traumatic incident when her daughter had to be driven to Portland Providence Medical Center in an ambulance because in case of an accident she would have bled out. It took several rounds of transfusions of red blood cells, platelets, and IVIG to keep her going, after which the doctors were able to determine the cause and get her spleen under control.
Today, Alexis, her father and daughter live a normal, healthy life. While the shadows of the disorder still linger in the background, frequent medical check-ups ensure Kylie’s health and fitness.
“We owe the donors and volunteers our lives,” Alexis said.
It was the kindness of strangers that provided a lifeline to Alexis and her family and today she feels it is her duty to pay it forward by donating blood as often as she can.
“You never know the lives you will touch, but then again, that life may be your own or someone you love,” Alexis says as a message to those donating blood for the first time.
The smallest acts of love and compassion can have ripple effects in somebody’s life. Consider donating today and be a part of the tribe that makes this world a better place – one blood donation at a time! Make your appointment via the Red Cross Blood Donor app, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or by clicking here.
