The 2014 Run for Blood is only weeks away. Proceeds from this annual event benefit American Red Cross North Central Blood Services. In other words, your participation, whether you run or walk, helps the Red Cross provide life-saving blood to someone like our own Jacqueline “Jacks” Michaud, who needed blood to save her life after childbirth.
I was 17 years old the first time I gave blood in the gymnasium of my high school. I never questioned the choice of giving, I gave because I could (and it got me out of 5th period). After that initial experience, I have continued to give. I give because I can; I have never expected anything in return.
Fast-forward years later as my husband and I are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our first child. I am nine months pregnant, round and happy despite the morning sickness lasting all nine months. My husband and I had read every book, taken every class, and planned, planned, planned for baby. Our daughter arrived on June 3rd at 3:33 a.m. We were instantly in love and in awe of this seven-pounds nineteen-inch little person who came into the world with a smile on her adorable face. However, with all my planning I was not prepared for what happened next.
Our joy was soon cut short as I began to experience medical complications after my labor and delivery. The post-delivery complications caused me to hemorrhage. I remained confident and euphoric in my post-delivery baby bliss, but soon began to feel ill and faint. I only remember truly becoming disturbed when I witnessed the nurses exchanging glances of worry when documenting the continued blood loss. At that moment it became real, my life was no longer about myself, just a few moments prior my entire existence changed, and now I was responsible for a little baby and her entire existence. Fear set in.
The next memory I have is of my nurse hanging a lovely red bag of blood on my I.V. stand. I remember thinking to myself that some generous person, whoever they are, will be forever tied to me, giving me a part of them so that I can be a mom, thankful that they gave because they could.
On that joyous day, I was thankful that I was able to receive the needed transfusions my body needed. I was able to be with my baby and my husband, and enjoy the precious newness and beauty of parenthood while putting aside the fears of hours past.
That day I made a commitment to myself the moment I received that first pint of beautiful red life. I promised that I would be a better and more consistent blood donor, knowing that just maybe one day my donation could help another.
Every year around the time of my daughter’s birthday, my son’s birthday and my own birthday I donate blood because I can. It is the greatest gift I can give.
Story by Jacqueline Michaud
Mom, Blood Donor, and Red Crosser
Click here to register for the 2014 Run for Blood, which will be held July 26 on Thomas Beach at Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. Not a runner? You can donate blood on race day.
American Red Cross 