Just Two Ounces

Sometimes many pints of blood are needed to save a life. In some cases, it’s only one or two ounces of the right blood at the right time that makes a critical, lifesaving difference.  

Four years ago on July 29, 2020, deep in the heart of the Covid pandemic, Keziah (Kezzy, pictured above), was nearly ready to face the world as a newborn. But at around 38 weeks, her mom Tess noticed movement in her belly slowed and then stopped.

“We called the clinic and they said to come in right now,” said Tess while remembering the harrowing moments before baby Kezzy was born. An ultrasound and other tests showed no movement. There was some breathing, but all indications for life were low. Every contraction brought down Kezzy’s heart rate. A Cesarean (c-section) delivery was imminent for saving her life.  

“They pulled her out and she cried right away and was very much alive, but she was very white,” recalled Tess. The pale skin was a serious sign. A nurse suggested a red cell blood test. The results showed low hemoglobin. Kezzy was in a critical state of survival and needed transfusion. Nick, Kezzy’s dad, held her before nurses took her away.   

“There were 15 people in the room,” said Nick. “It was scary but they said, ‘we know what’s going on.” Kezzy was rushed to a neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU) where she received two blood transfusions. During that time, all signs of life headed in the right direction. “Holding a baby that’s barely alive and seeing two bags flow into your baby over two days – you’re always going to remember that,” he added.   

It turns out that Kezzy had lost a third of her blood volume in utero. While in her mother’s belly, her blood was flowing backwards into Tess in the last couple days before birth. Knowing the signs and providing the right treatment happens between a critical period days and hours that could mean death or life.  

“It was such a quick turn-around after the transfusion,” said Tess, “For me it felt like a miracle.”  

Today, thanks in large part to blood donors, Kezzy is a healthy and happy toddler who goes to preschool. “My daughter is three years old now and healthy, cheerful, and chatty. She brings joy wherever she goes!” said Tess. “I’d add that she’s very smart, loves jokes and games, and is a great hiking companion,” said Nick.  

The experience has turned Tess and Nick into blood donors. Nick donates platelets which are needed for clotting and have a short shelf-life while Tess donates whole blood, something she’s new to doing but wanted to do for a long time so that others could have the same chance that Kezzy had.  

“I’m grateful for her enthusiasm, thoughtful little insights, and playful nature. She rounds out our family in a special way.”  

Make an appointment to give blood or platelets now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Story by Minnesota and Dakotas communications manager Lynette Nyman