Shealyn was a very healthy, athletic 12-year-old girl who played tennis, softball and basketball. In late summer and early fall of 2004, she began experiencing dizziness, shoulder pain, and migraine headaches. Following a scan at the end of October, she was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Shealyn faced brain surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with great courage. During her year of chemotherapy, she required IV nutrition and frequent red blood cell and platelet transfusions. We knew that there was a platelet shortage, and each time Shealyn's levels dropped to a critical level, we prayed there would be enough platelets available. We realized then that blood products need to always be available at a moment's notice, or someone irreplaceable could die. We are thankful to the blood donors who helped to save Shealyn's life, and we are happy to report that she is now a happy 14-year-old, well on the road to recovery.

The Schuetz Family, Mohnton, PA

 

May 19, 2007, was any parents’ nightmare… our 12 year old daughter Jessica suffered a life threatening hemorrhage.  She was rushed to the E.R. with severe bleeding, and her hemoglobin reached a dangerous low of 6, requiring a blood transfusion immediately. I tried so hard to stay under control, praying the doctors would not ask me to leave her side as she asked, “Mommy am I going to be o.k?” The blood transfusions began, but the bleeding didn’t stop.  Saturday the nightmare continued, as more red blood cells were transfused, but the hemorrhaging would not stop.  On Sunday, a dear friend delivered the message at all three services, to our Church family at Glad Tidings: “We need your prayers, we need a miracle.”  Our prayers were answered, as doctors determined the next step, which was a transfer to the I.C.U. and then to surgery, for an arterial embolization.  The bleeding finally stopped, but a few additional transfusions were required. The doctors are Hershey Medical Center, and The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, are still trying to research the cause of what happened to our daughter. She required a total of nine units of red blood cells, and four units of fresh frozen plasma. We are extremely grateful to have our daughter, and cannot thank enough our doctors for their efforts; our family and friends for their prayers and outpouring of support; and the blood donors of Miller-Keystone Blood Center for giving the gift of life. On September 22, we held our first blood drive in Jessica’s honor, to increase awareness of the importance of blood donation. On that day, our daughter had the honor of writing down her parents’ names as first-time blood donors. You never know when you or someone you love will ever need blood. Thank you for being heroes!"

Bob, Liz, Melissa, Jessica & Robby Koczot, Berks County, PA

In 1967, I drove my motorcycle to the Auburn Dam to go waterskiing with a friend. When the boat motor failed to start, I volunteered to ride my bike to get a new spark plug. I had gone a mile or so on a narrow, rough macadam road when I came to a hill with a sharp right curve. That is the last thing I remember… Several days later, I finally awoke in a revolving hospital bed. The doctors were trying to get circulation into my left leg, in order to save it from amputation. I also learned the doctors were considering amputating my right arm because it was missing tendons and muscle. Eventually the doctors had to amputate my left leg. Not being aware of too much through six (6) operations and a 104-degree fever, I finally awoke to some form of reality. That is when I found out that I almost died in the emergency room.

I had had an almost head-on collision with an Oldsmobile 88. Witnesses said I was thrown 45 feet into the air. When I landed, I was disemboweled, and bleeding profusely from my abdomen, my left arm and right leg. My left leg was smashed.

Back in the mid-60's, there was no EMS service as we know it today. It took over an hour and a half for the volunteer ambulance to get me to the hospital, and because of the long delay, I had no pulse, only a heartbeat. I was later told that I had lost 90% of my blood, and that my surviving was nothing short of a miracle. In order to give me transfusions, the doctors had to cut the ankle of my right leg to find a vein. I was told that I received more than 40 pints of life-sustaining blood.

I had often donated before my accident, but after the accident I learned first-hand how important donating blood really is. Once I regarding my health, I began donating on a regular basis, and am still doing so today. Every single day, I am grateful to those who gave their blood. In doing so, they saved my life. They are heroes.

Lawrence Alati, Shoemakersville, PA

During routine bloodwork in July 2005, Bill Montanaro's family doctor realized there was cause for alarm, as Bill's red cell count was abnormally low. Bill was later diagnosed with Myelofibrosis. Myelofibrosis is a disorder in which fibrous tissue replaces the blood producing cells in the bone marrow. Consquently, red blood cell production decreases, fewer red blood cells are released into the blood stream, and anemia develops. It was then, Bill explains, that he want from a 'workaholic' to a man who appreciated every day to the fullest with his wife and best friend, Roseann. He was especially grateful to the dozens of blood donors who saved his life, and until September 2006, when he lost the courageous battle against his disease, he was often seen at blood drives, where he volunteered as a donor aide, while his wife, Roseann, served in our canteen.

The Montanaro Family, Boyertown, PA

No one ever understands the importance of plasma donations - until someone you know receives them. Meet 15-year-old Aaron. Two years ago, while burning branches in his family's yard, Aaron's clothing caught fire and 30% of his body was ravaged by flames. Although Aaron has no memories of his treatment, his family recalls every unit of blood, every unit of plasma, every prayer, and every healthcare professional responsible for saving his life.

The Batdorf Family, Pottstown, PA

In 1998, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After surgery to remove my kidney, I began chemotherapy. When I completed the chemotherapy, my doctors discovered an infection in my bloodstream. If it had not been for the quick attention of my doctors, massive doses of antibiotics, and volunteer blood donors, I would not be here to hold my first grandchild. Thank you to my doctors, nurses, and the countless people who gave their blood to save my life!

Ken Graves, Cochranville, PA

This is Ally. She is the sister of Ashley, and the daughter of Shane and Jill. Ally was born with gastrochisis; that is, her intestines were formed on the outside of her abdomen. In her short life, she has had five (5) major abdominal surgeries, including a liver transplant, and a trachea tube. Ally's family knows she wouldn't be here today if not for organ and blood donors. They know she has been given the 'gift of life'.

The Heintz Family, Perkiomenville (PA)

In early 2003 I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This is a very aggressive form of cancer and completely took over my body in a matter of days. I was placed at St. Christopher's Children Hospital in Philadelphia for four months straight. During this time I received a brutal assortment of experimental chemotherapy, which left my body completely drained. It soon became necessary for me to receive blood transfusions almost every day. My blood counts were so low that I needed just as many platelet transfusions as blood, but were harder to come by because so few people donate on account of the time needed for this procedure. It was a long uphill battle for me to overcome this debilitating disease, but with help from the good people who decided to take time out of their busy lives to donate blood I am now a healthy, 21-year-old, full-time student.

Alicia Rodriguez, Bethlehem (PA)

In May 2004, my 11-year-old son, Jeremy, was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic / acute lymphocytic) leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells, the cells in the body that normally fight infections. As part of this chemotherapy treatment, he has thus-far received five (5) blood transfusions, and also a platelet transfusion.

Giving blood has taken on a new meaning since my son was diagnosed with cancer. I had donated occasionally in the past, but now I make it the norm. Giving blood truly is a gift of life!

Tammy Rank Blandon, PA

Logan is a typical 6-year-old boy. He has way too much energy and a smile that lights up your heart. In 2000, Logan's world changed dramatically. For five months, he was treated for chronic ear aches, asthma and coxsackie. His mother and father, both trained EMTs and paramedics, knew something was very wrong. It wasn't until Logan got even sicker that their worst suspicions were met: Logan was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myloid Leukemia) a very aggressive form of cancer, typically diagnosed in adults. At 2 years old, Logan was given a mere 40% chance of survival. But after 8 months of chemotherapy and "lots and lots" of blood and platelets, he is a happy and healthy young boy. Logan is now a kindergarten student, a Reading Royals fan and an enthusiastic soccer player. His mother credits the generosity of volunteer blood and platelet donors for saving her son's life. His mere presence is a miracle and a testament to the value of blood donations.

The Baldwin Family Berks, County, PA

The 1st annual Angela Hohl memorial blood drive took place on November 10, 2003. During Angie's illness, we came to realize the severity of blood and platelets in the area. We waited for many days for long hours while the hospital searched for the correct type of platelets for Angela. As parents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, friends and students, we hope you all consider helping the Blood Center be prepared for the next child who may need the volume of blood and platelets that Angie did, by donating the 'Gift of Life' with a blood donation.

Harvey and Sue Hohl, Berks County (PA)

When my son Ritchie was born, he was diagnosed with a coarctation of the aorta, a narrowing of the aorta, which prevents oxygen from traveling to his lower extremities. To repair this condition, he underwent heart surgery when he was only 11 days old. During this time, Ritchie was given numerous units of blood and platelets. I cannot thank the volunteer blood donors enough for providing the gift of life for Ritchie and for others in our community.

Diana Perez, Bethlehem (PA)

My dad, Ellis Neely, passed away 6 years ago after suffering with leukemia for 8 years. Had it not been for the blood transfusions he received regularly over those 8 years, he would not have lived as long as he did. My dad had been a blood donor for many years, and knew the importance of donating. Three times each year, I coordinate blood drives at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 with him in mind.

Peggy Stoudt, Nazareth (PA)

Several years ago, I was the victim of a random shooting. At the time, my wife was 6 weeks away from the birth of our first child. With injuries to major organs and arteries, I needed over 70 units of plasma, platelets and red blood cells to survive the next few days. Through the generosity of volunteer blood donors, I am happy to report that I am doing well. Thanks to Miller Memorial Blood Center, blood was available at a very critical time in my life.

Timothy Kita (PA)

As a mother of three young children, a wife and friend to others in the Lehigh Valley, it is hard to imagine that my life could have been in jeopardy without any warning. At 38 weeks of pregnancy, I experienced one of the scariest moments of my life, as I suffered total placenta abruption, which threatened the life of my baby and me. I was rushed to the operating room of our local hospital, where the doctors had to perform an emergency C-section, as I was literally hemorrhaging to death internally while my baby was swallowing my blood. My total blood loss was approximately 3000 cc or ½ the blood in my body, and a blood transfusion was required. I received 7 units of packed red blood cells, 6 units of platelets and 4 units of fresh frozen plasma. Luckily, this story has a positive ending, as both the baby and I are recovering.

I am thankful that there was an adequate blood supply when I was in need. Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy life to assist in saving someone else's life. My family and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the gift of life through your blood donation.

Janeen Freiss, Nazareth (PA)

My first blood transfusion was in 1989, when I underwent heart surgery. Since that time, I have been in the hospital at least eight times, and have received over 45 units of blood.

I am only one of many individuals in our community that has a personal stake in the need for a safe and adequate blood supply in our region. My sincere thanks to Miller Memorial Blood Center and to blood donors everywhere, for giving the gift of life.

Jerry Block, Allentown (PA)

A few years back I found myself ill with what I assumed was a virus or flu bug. When my condition didn't improve, I went to see my doctor, who sent me to the hospital where I was told I had a bleeding ulcer. I had lost approximately 6 pints of blood in two days, and the doctors told me that if I had waited a few more days, I may have lost my life. I am thankful that blood was there in my time of need, and I now donate blood approximately every eight weeks. It is safe and easy, and may save someone else's life.

Robert Ditro, Slatington (PA)

In February 2003, I underwent triple heart bypass surgery, and received several units of blood. Three weeks later, I felt well enough to attend a blood drive meeting at Sacred Heart Church in West Reading, as our parish nurses were planning to host our first blood drive with Keystone Community Blood Bank. As an active parish nurse, I believe it is important that people realize the vital role the Blood Bank plays in our community. Many people do not realize that the process of donating blood is quick, easy and completely safe. People should not wait for an emergency in order to donate? they need to understand that the need for blood and blood donors exists every day.

Betsy Adams, Wyomissing

When Jack was 6 months old, we learned that he had an inherited blood disorder, thalassemia, which prevents him from making his own red blood cells. He thus faced a lifetime of transfusions. The staff at Miller-Keystone Blood Center has been expert in its efforts to see this through, and no task is taken for granted or considered too small. From the beginning, we have been guided through this difficult process with professionalism and care. It is largely due to these efforts that these life-saving treatments can seem almost routine.

Dr. Robert and Carolyn Coni, North Whitehall Twp, PA