Cancer survivor thanks Malmstrom blood donors, Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Marcus McDonald
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  A Montana cancer survivor came to Malmstrom Dec. 22 to thank blood donors for their life-saving contributions.

In the spring of 2005, tests revealed Marilee Stott's blood count contained only 20 percent of her total normal blood count. She immediately received five units of blood, and saw months of chemotherapy, total body radiation, numerous blood and platelet transfusions, and a bone marrow transplant over the next three years. Today, she no longer has Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

In addition to being an advocate of blood donations, Ms. Stott said she came out to Malmstrom to thank Airmen for their service to a grateful nation.

"I'm excited to visit the base to thank these men and women who serve my country, and for the freedom that blesses my life and that of my family," she said. "Because of good donors like them I live, as do others."

The American Red Cross collected 38 units of blood during the December blood drive.

"We had 18 first-time donors, which is huge for us," said Darla Ewer, donor recruitment manager for the Lewis and Clark Blood Services Region. "In November, we collected 30 units of blood. Our monthly goal for the past two years has only been 25 units, so the boost in November and December were really important for us in growing the donor base for future blood drives."

Ms. Ewer said there's typically an increased need for donations at this time of the year because of a decrease in the donor base.

"The need doesn't necessarily increase," she said. "It's just that high schools and colleges are on break, folks are on vacation and then there is cold and flu season. The donor base gets smaller but the need never decreases or goes away."

Ms. Ewer said the shelf life of blood is only 42 days.

"We're very grateful for the donors who come out to give blood," she said. "There's no substitute for human blood."

Airman 1st Class Veronica Hamilton, 341st Medical Operations Squadron, donated blood Dec. 22 and explained why.

"When I was 8 years old, my grandpa was diagnosed with leukemia," she said. "He had a very rare blood type, and he needed a lot of blood transfusions.

"It was because of blood donors that I got to spend an extra five years with him," Airman Hamilton said. "I donate so people who need it can have the same opportunity to get well again that my grandfather had."

Malmstrom's next blood drive is set for Jan. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the new fitness center. To make an appointment, call 727-2212 or register online at www.givelife.org, sponsor code "airforce."