Tag: blood donor

Motivated by a Mother’s Love

 Gail Ness, a dedicated volunteer Blood Drive Ambassador for the Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region, has made it her mission to inspire others to donate blood—a cause close to her heart. Her journey began over two decades ago, rooted in a profound love for her family. 

Twenty-six years ago, Gail’s eldest son, Derek, was born prematurely, weighing just over three pounds. During his fragile early days, a blood transfusion became a turning point, helping him grow stronger and more alert. That experience left an indelible mark on Gail, sparking her lifelong commitment to blood donation. 

Gail Ness and her son Derek share a proud moment during a blood donation. Inspired by Derek’s life-saving transfusion as a newborn, the Ness family has made donating blood a tradition, encouraging others to join them in making a difference.  (Photo submitted)

Inspired by the gift of life her son received; Gail made blood donation a family tradition. Once her sons, Derek and Jared, were old enough, she encouraged them to join her. Today, the Ness family continues to donate blood together, creating a ripple effect of hope and healing. 

Gail’s passion for this cause extends beyond her family. For the past decade, she has volunteered as a Blood Drive Ambassador, welcoming donors and supporting Red Cross efforts to save lives. “The Red Cross makes it so easy to donate,” Gail explains. “From scheduling an appointment to enjoying a snack afterward, the process is simple and rewarding. During the donation, donors can relax while rolling a small exercise ball in their hand to keep the blood flowing.”  

For Gail, one of the most fulfilling parts of her role is working with first-time donors. “Seeing their joy and pride after donating is incredible,” she says. “It’s amazing to help someone realize they can make such a meaningful impact.” Gail also credits her volunteer team and the support of her regional coordinator, Deb Ahlers, for inspiring her to continue making a difference. 

Gail’s story reminds us of the power of love and gratitude. She emphasizes that donating blood helps save lives in the community and across the nation. “I encourage people to try it just once,” Gail says. “You’ll be making a difference and might be surprised by how much good you can do.” 

How can you create your own ripple effect in the community? Take a page from Gail’s book and consider donating blood—it’s a small act that saves lives. 

On February 10, 2025, Gail Ness took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly opened Red Cross Blood Donation Center, proudly supported by the Tiffany Circle.

Call to Action: 
The new Red Cross Blaine Blood Donation Center, proudly supported by the Tiffany Circle, is now open and ready to welcome donors like you. Located at 12555 Ulysses St NE, Blaine, MN 55434, this center offers a convenient and comfortable space to help save lives. Schedule your appointment today and join Gail in creating a ripple effect of hope and healing. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to make an appointment. 

By Lisa Safer and Andrea Austin, Red Cross Volunteers 

Red Cross blood donors make meaningful moments possible

Donations needed to overcome national blood shortage and help prevent delays in crucial patient care

Brent and Shari Danzeisen

While it may be easy to lose sight of where your blood flows after you leave the donation center or a blood drive, others can clearly see the exact implications of blood donations.

Brent Danzeisen is a donor that feels these impacts within his family. Brent had donated blood in the past and began again when his wife, Shari, started receiving weekly blood transfusions due to cancer treatments. Brent may have felt as many other donors do – knowing that their blood helps someone, somewhere. Now, the final destination of a blood donation’s journey is very relevant to Brent and his family.

Shari usually receives two transfusions weekly of 1-2 units, but recently was only able to receive 1 unit due to the national severe blood shortage. “Better than nothing!” Brent says. While being able to receive 1 unit of blood is still valuable, it may not provide Shari with the same energy that 2 units would.

Brent credits Shari’s blood transfusions for making many meaningful moments possible. “With the transfusions she receives, she was able to attend the Confirmation of our daughter this spring and has been able to attend our two boys’ baseball games so far this summer.” The quick and easy experiences Brent has had donating blood have certainly provided other families with similar moments.

“I would like to say to anyone who is thinking about it, just do it!” urges Brent, and donating blood really is as simple as that. “Half hour every other month is not a huge time commitment to help save a life or to give someone the opportunity to see their kids’ ball game or other major life event.”

The possibilities of what blood donations do down the road may seem difficult to picture, but for families like Brent and Shari’s they are anything but that. Shari’s blood transfusions are given her more time with her family.

As Brent has put it, “Thank you to all the donors, for without you the Red Cross would have no blood to give [Shari]!”

Schedule your appointment today: redcrossblood.org

Story by Julia Clingen/American Red Cross

Our Annual Blood Drive at the Minnesota State Fair

Every day a Red Cross blood donation bus will be at the “Great Minnesota Get-Together”

Our blood drive at the Minnesota State Fair comes as we continue to experience a blood emergency. Blood products are being distributed to hospitals as fast as donations are coming in to help patients in need of lifesaving treatments.

Help by donating during our daily blood drive at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Find us Aug. 22 – Sept. 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. just outside the Agriculture Horticulture Building, west of the Space Tower (see map below).

Click here to schedule your donation appointment on your day at the fair.

See you at the fair!

The Greatest Gift

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. 

Jacks Michaud and her family.
Jacks Michaud and her family.

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.

Jack's infant daughter.
Jack’s infant daughter.

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.