Importance of donating blood cannot be underestimated

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Jonathan Allamani
  • 10th Missile Squadron
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Thought to have the flu, Marilee Stott put her kids on the school bus and proceeded to the local doctor's office. Little did she know that it would be months before she would return home; life as Marilee knew it had dramatically changed, forever.

It has been more than three years since being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. AML is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults, but adversely, only accounts for roughly 1.2 percent of cancer-related deaths in the United States; Marilee's story is unique.

For 42 years, she lived a normal life. A Montana native, daughter of a bee keeper, wife of a cattle rancher, and mother of eight children, she took pride in her busy lifestyle. However, in the spring of 2005, life came to a screeching halt. With flu-like symptoms, her arrival to the hospital was anything but ordinary. Among other tests, her blood tests results revealed that her blood count contained only 20 percent of her total normal blood cell count. Extremely ill, she immediately received five units of blood. At this point, not even she could have anticipated that this blood transfusion was just the beginning of a long and strenuous life-altering journey.

Her type of cancer has a direct impact on the body's reproduction of normal blood cells. An acquired blood disorder, it rapidly produces abnormal white blood cells and regenerates them within bone marrow. Deceptively, many of the signs and symptoms of AML are characteristically similar to the common flu: fatigue, recurring fever, weakness, joint and bone discomfort.

Mrs. Stott was no longer the independent, upbeat caretaker that she was accustomed to being. Rather, for several months, "everyday life" was anything but ordinary; she underwent a series of difficult hardships. Of them all, no amount of planning could prepare her for the long separation from her loved ones.

The next three years, she went through months of chemotherapy, total body radiation, numerous blood and platelet transfusions, in addition to a bone marrow transplant.

Today, she is cancer free. Like many other cancer survivors, she had the support from not only friends and family, but from more than 200 strangers alike.

How is this possible?

"Thanks to the American Red Cross and blood donors from across the state, blood was there when I needed it," Mrs. Stott said. "If it weren't for these strangers, more than 200 of them, I might not be here today."

In retrospect, she overcame arguably the most difficult time of her life thus far. Today, she spends her time attending blood drives thanking donors.

"My heart is so full of gratitude for life. Because of so many caring people, I am here today loving my family and friends, and happily moving forward with my earthly goals," she said in reflection.

Every minute of everyday, someone somewhere is in need of blood. Through the distinguished accomplishments of the American Red Cross, donors worldwide can give people like Marilee Stott a second chance at life.

Embodied by a strong believe in community and charity, donors are among an elite group of unsung heroes. One member of this fraternity is LeRoy Patterson of Great Falls. He has been donating blood on a regular basis since 1957. To date, his donations total more than 128 units (16 gallons) of blood.

"I am providing a chance for other people. I am providing a lifeline to troops," he said when asked why he donates blood.

Everyone has their own reasons why they decide to donate. Mr. Patterson, a Vietnam Veteran, started donating blood because the certainty of him getting wounded during the war and needing blood himself was a real possibility.

Marilee Stott's story is just one of countless cancer survivors' stories. Giving blood is a simple task, but the reality is, because of preconceived notions, lack of awareness or fear, many people choose not to donate.

"People, who can donate, should donate," Mr. Patterson said.

Like Mr. Patterson and those 200 strangers who chose to donate blood, Mrs. Stott is here today to tell her story. There are heroes among us. How will you help those in need?