New Year's Resolution: Save More Lives

As 2010 draws to a close and 2011 is knocking on the door, we all reflect on what the year brought to each of us and what adventure the next year will reveal.

With resolutions to lose weight, to quit smoking, spend more time at home or an array of other things, why not make a resolution to save someone's life. Profound and simple at the same time.

January springs forth new life for everyone it seems and I can think of no better way to feel better in the coming year than to participate in National Blood Donor Month by making a donation.




In 2011 I will have a few resolutions but one I am sure that I will be successful in is that I will continue to connect more donors to the lives they save. With continued support from regional/national organizations, along with family and friends, I am positive that more lives will be saved one pint at a time.

Christmas Blessings

The Christmas season has been upon us for quite some time yet if you are like me, I never seem to catch up. Although this year, I do admit that I enjoyed a bit slower pace as I purposefully scaled back speaking engagements and appearances as to gear up for a hectic January.

It was a true blessing indeed when I was able to help with Lexi's parade with her dance group and to enjoy several days of baking cookies. Many times those small moments can slip past and looking back we wonder where the time went. I have cherished each activity and giggle like never before.

On the verge of "tween-dom", at 11 years old, Lexi still believes that Santa arrives in style and that the reindeer really do need glitter to guide their way. Prior to moving, we lived in Warrenton and our first Christmas there was extremely special. At just 4 years old, Lexi saw Santa walking down the street right past our home. Upset, we calmed her nerves and just reminded her that he would be back when she went to sleep. She quickly rushed into bed and like a flash in the night, Santa delivered a sleigh-full of toys. To this day, she tells other children that story and can testify that Santa is, without a doubt, real.

Santa even paid her a visit this year on Christmas Eve Day, just to drop off a special little gift. She hadn't been feeling well and even had a fever but managed to enjoy a few minutes of Christmas magic! She made sure her list was complete, which included the request of a new kitten, but she asked Santa to not tell her dad that she had made that request (only because she knows that it would receive a veto!). While Santa did deliver almost everything on her list, except the kitten, it was a beautiful Christmas morning!

It's not the decorations, presents or pretty lights of the season that we are grateful for. It's the time with family, loved ones, and blessings bestowed by the birth of Christ that make this time of year so special. For me, each of these things is enhanced by the knowledge that I would not be here to enjoy them without the most precious gift of life I have been given by blood donors.

Each year at this time I reflect upon the most amazing gift of life I have been given and hope that I show my appreciation through my work, life and dedication to the cause. Peace, love and blessings to you this Christmas season and best wishes in the coming year!

Blood Flow

Ever wonder how the blood flows? or how about the flow of information?

I am always interested to know who receives information through the flow of the blog; if they are a regular visitor or a one-time visitor; visit from work or from home; and countless other questions.

Throughout the life of this blog, I have been watching the stats of visitors and am excited to see that traffic comes from all across the world and even from right next door.

Sometimes it seems that the blog is found purely by accident from a search engine or it's a direct link from another site and then sometimes, it's from medical centers/blood banks. When those facilities make return visits, I hope it's because I have offered insight on information or shared another story of hope.

So where is everyone from? Well here are some interesting statistics that I have found:

~ Visitors from Bangkok, Wilimington, DE, and New York check-in regularily
~ A follower in Elizabethton/Johnson City, Tennessee visits almost daily
~ A few people in India, Egypt, and Iceland read along too
~ I have Lots of friends in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC
~ Avid readers in Canton, Ohio (Incept, that's you!) keep the blog as a must-visit
~ I must have a friend in Oklahoma, or perhaps a few
~ A special reader out of North Carolina, I have to guess that's mom with the number of visits

The stats go on and on, but I thought it was nice to see such a diverse group of individuals that read along. So what are the most popular posts? Well here are the top 3:

Do You Know Your Type? (March 2010)
Blood Transfusions for Breast Cancer (October 2010)
Are you a match for Isabelle? (August 2010)

The amount of information that could be included in the blog could "bog" it down, so I do my best to select what is most relevant and/or what strongly speaks to my heart.

I have enjoyed the advent of guest bloggers, they insert a new perspective and offer new opportunities to learn. What you may not realize is that I generally write all of my informative postings days in advance and when the time is right, I or a volunteer can get it posted. Why have help posting? There are many days that I am away advocating, tending to family needs or at a myriad of doctor appointments, but the flow of information must continue. Therefore, a few kind individuals keep the postings going so that my readers will stay informed without gaps related to my travel schedule or other obligations. Always my thoughts and always my words, unless the header specifically states it's a guest blogger.

It is through this help of volunteers, friends, and family that we can keep the "blood flowing" on the blog and continue to educate people from around the world (or right next door) on the need for blood donors. Without this support and that of multiple organizations throughout the United States, none of this would be possible.

All in a Day's Medicine

Not feeling well, being tired, doctor visits and coping are all just part of another day in the life of a severe anemic. What does it take to keep me going? Besides patience, love, and an optimistic spirit? It takes medicine (and quite a few blood transfusions).

So what is a regular day's medicine regime? It's prescription Iron pills, B12 injections, and a myriad of other doses that keep my engines running at it's best, although, sometimes I admit my best energy-level is still half of what it could be.

I admit that I was rather squimish in the beginning for the injections, however, with time it's just another part of the routine along with enormous pills that I'm sure no horse would ever swallow.

Now, I am just thankful that there are medicines available that keep me going and extremely grateful for insurance that covers the cost as they are expensive, even with a copay.

Early in the morning is when I take the time to manage my medications. That's my quiet, peaceful time of the day and seems to bring the most solitude for praising God for the second chance at life he's given me through these medicines and blood donors.

Saying Thank You from Mrs. Virginia International 2011

My main focus and that of "It's Hip 2 Give" is to connect donors to the lives that they are saving - whether through personal outreach, media campaigns or education through my blog, it's all important and part of what makes it work so well.

I was recently asked to record a message of thanks for recent donors by Virginia Blood Services. This is a call that goes out to blood donors within 24-48 hours of their donation and allows me to personally thank them and to share my story. Here is how my recording will sound starting 12/13/2010:

Hi! This is Rebecca Crosen calling to say thank you to the person in your household that recently donated blood with Virginia Blood Services. Suffering from 2 forms of anemia, I require regular blood transfusions in order to live each day. I was recently crowned Mrs. Virginia International 2011 and will be spending my year advocating for and encouraging blood donors. None of this would be possible without the gift of life that you so generously gave. Thank you again for your donation of time, compassion, and life.

It's quick, to the point, and certainly allows donors to have a glimpse of a life they have saved. It's through partnerships with organizations, like Virginia Blood Services, that I am able to say thank you for this gift and I look forward to thanking donors for a lifetime.

The Need of the Season

The holiday season always brings nostalgic thoughts of yesteryear and excitement for the year to come. The crisp winter air gives way to open hearts and the warmth of a genuine desire to see and feel the good of all mankind.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or another holiday the need for the most precious gift of all does not discriminate based upon faith, race, age, gender, geography or any other factor. The gift of life is solely dependent upon the giver and during this season of giving, this is the one lifetime, non-returnable gift that will not cost you a dime.



How amazing is that? To think that the only thing you need to spend was 1 hour of time and you can give the most perfect and precious gift of all. - LIFE -

Simple, give the gift of life and know that you chose to give the only gift that will forever be remembered and you don't even need the gift receipt.

INCEPT: A Family's Story

Welcome to another guest-blogger installment from Incept. Read this touching story about how blood donors, medical advances, and patience have kept another family together by saving a life.

At the age of just 18 months, my niece Loretta was diagnosed with cavernous malformation of the portal vein and, consequently, esophageal varices.

While I will spare you any more medical terminology than necessary, at her age this life-threatening condition was difficult to treat, and as a result, her health was heavily reliant on red cell and platelet transfusions with no cure in sight. Several times during each of the years that followed, her condition would cause massive internal bleeding, resulting in single-digit hemoglobin levels and countless blood transfusions. These were very emotional and often petrifying times for our family.

There were numerous instances where blood donors, selfless individuals whom I have never met, saved my niece's life.

Unfortunately, neither surgery or medications have, to this point, been able to improve Loretta's condition. The hope was that the process of bursting veins would eventually cause enough scar tissue that her body would, in effect, cure itself. The challenge with this approach was that each bout of internal bleeding was a life-threatening one.

Stories like ours are rarely told. Potential, eligible donors are all too often spared the explanation of why it is so important to have the right blood and blood products on hospital shelves at all times. They do hear that blood is needed, but it seems like that message frequently doesn't resonate. I know it didn't for our family until we learned - all too personally - just how precious blood can be.

Just prior to Loretta's 16th birthday, we were approached by several surgeons who felt that they could perform an experimental surgical procedure and virtually eliminate both of her conditions. While preparing for her surgery, I inquired about the number of transfusions she had received over the years. The doctor perused her file and estimated that she had received over 200 units of platelets (to assist with clotting) and that the red cells used were too numerous to count.

On the day of the surgery, the doctors spent several hours making repairs and also found considerable scar tissue (just as they had hoped). The day, and the surgery, was a resounding success. However, our story doesn’t stop there. Throughout the night, additional units of blood were transfused, once again saving her life.

Today, I am happy to share that Loretta is a healthy 21-year-old woman. While she still faces some obstacles ahead, we have been blessed to share many birthdays and holidays with her because of selfless, anonymous strangers who gave of themselves to save her. To all of the blood donors out there, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for saving my niece and allowing our family the opportunity to watch her grow into a beautiful young woman.

Billie Johnson
Vice President, New Client Results
Incept