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Russ
 Shortly
after college, Russ (aka “Whip”) mid-day personality from 105.9 the X, was
unexpectedly in need of blood. Two weeks after having surgery, he was rushed to
the hospital with internal bleeding. Doctors felt that the site of the wound was
going through its natural healing process, but he needed to receive blood
transfusions. If he did not heal properly, he would face another operation.
Fortunately for him, receiving blood saved his life, and he was spared
exploratory surgery. Today, Russ is happily married and eternally grateful for
the generosity of blood donors. He has made an effort to enjoy life, and not
take each day for granted. You can listen to Whip weekdays on 105.9 the X.
Sonya
Sonya, a regional supervisor at Central Blood Bank’s mobile blood drives, has been donating blood since 1995. She started when she was in high school. As an employee of Central Blood Bank for nearly nine years, she realizes the importance of her life-saving contributions. She adds, “It’s something that is easy to do and brightens the lives of others.” In addition to donating whole blood, Sonya donates platelets and plasma. Rather than donating a unit of whole blood, the apheresis (link) donor gives a specific component of blood (platelets, plasma, or red blood cells) and the remaining products are returned to the donor. The process takes approximately two hours.
The Fantastic Five
Donors who begin donating at age 17 and donate every 56 days for the next 60
years can potentially help save more than 1,000 lives. Dave, Sabrina, Samantha,
Adrianna and Mike, all started donating while they were in high school. As the
population grows older, it becomes increasingly important to motivate and
encourage a younger donor base to begin donating blood. Their support will
continue to enable recipients to have second chances at life.
Steven
In school, nothing puts quite as large a smile on Steven Edmonds’ face as geography. At 14, Steven was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma, which accounts for five to eight percent of all childhood cancers. He has received chemotherapy, along with multiple blood transfusions, to help treat his condition. In addition, he underwent surgery in the fall of 2006 to remove a tumor behind his left eye. Steven is now 16 and a junior in high school, with aspirations of becoming a lawyer. Despite his illness, he remains in good spirits with a great sense of humor and continues to make the honor roll.
Lauren
Toddler Lauren Richmond, an otherwise healthy and active little girl, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in June 2006. Since her diagnosis, she has been receiving chemotherapy treatments and blood transfusions at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh. Lauren is the daughter of Jeff and Andrea Richmond and little sister of three-year-old Sydney. The family resides in Cranberry Township, north of Pittsburgh.
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