YOUR BLOOD. YOUR HOSPITAL. YOUR NEIGHBORS.

In 1997 at just thirteen years old, Austin was diagnosed with brain cancer. Two malignant brain tumors required multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. The intense treatment regimen was brutal. “I'd be constantly getting transfusions. There was probably about a month where none of the blood was mine,” Austin said. “It was all transfused blood.”

Megan’s story began in November 2014 when she was 23 weeks pregnant. She was rushed to the emergency room with spontaneous bleeding. Hospital staff told Megan and her husband that labor was beyond the point of no return and their son was too young to survive outside the womb. A few days later Megan woke up with more bleeding. Back in the emergency room, doctors determined she had a rare uterine malformation that caused life-threatening massive bleeding. Megan received multiple units of red cells, platelets and plasma. I would like to say to the people who donate blood thank you. I wouldn’t be alive without you.

Mikayla Rietgraf was diagnosed with stage lV Ewings Sarcoma cancer when she was just 8 years old. She underwent chemotherapy treatments for one year, spending over 80 days in the hospital. Following each treatment, Mikayla received units of blood and platelets which helped her to survive. Today, Mikalya is in remission thanks to many generous blood donors who selflessly gave of themselves to help others in need.