Christine

Recipient

Blood platelets play a critical role in controlling bleeding. They’re responsible for blood clotting. For people with Glanzmann’s syndrome, this vital function is impaired. Their abnormal platelets don’t aggregate during blood coagulation. Their blood doesn’t clot, so the bumps and bruises that most people dismiss as minor inconveniences can become life-threatening injuries.

Christine has Glanzmann’s syndrome, so at home and at her job as an occupational therapist she lives what she calls “a careful life.” Even so, she has had several episodes of internal bleeding in her life and has spent more than a little time in hospitals for blood transfusions.  More than once these transfusions have saved her life.

By her own estimation, Christine has received between 150 and 200 units of blood. To put that amount into perspective, 200 units equal 25 gallons. Put another way, 200 people have helped Christine survive a ruptured ovary at age 16, several bouts of gastrointestinal bleeding and other life-threatening episodes.
Through it all, Christine has one message she wants every blood donor and potential donor to know: “Giving blood is life saving. And receiving blood is safe. I wouldn’t be here if people hadn’t given blood, and I’m very grateful.”

Life depends on blood, Christine says, and the little bit of trouble it takes to donate is well worth it. “I’ve told people, ‘I don’t like needles, either, and I’ve been stuck a lot.’ The discomfort passes shortly, and giving blood can improve quality of life for both the giver and the receiver.”

Please share your experience as a blood donor or transfusion recipient.