Tag: blood drive

Nolan the Heart Warrior: A Story of Strength, Survival, and Giving Back

Nolan arrived 2.5 weeks early, a healthy, 8-pound, 10-ounce baby boy. But within hours, the joy of his birth turned to fear. His mother, Sara Jutz, sensed something wasn’t right. Together with her husband, Joe, they pushed for closer observation. Trusting their instincts and speaking up made all the difference, that decision ultimately saved Nolan’s life.

Newborn Nolan made an early entrance, arriving 2.5 weeks ahead of schedule and weighing in at a healthy 8 pounds, 10 ounces. Photo submitted.

Doctors diagnosed Nolan with a serious congenital heart defect: a coarctation of the aorta, a narrowing of one of the heart’s main arteries. Just 10 hours after birth, he was rushed by ambulance to Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. At only four days old, Nolan underwent his first major surgery. Surgeons accessed his heart through his back and used a Gore-Tex (synthetic) patch to widen the narrowed artery. During that operation, Nolan received his first blood transfusion, one of many he would need. That donated blood played a critical role in saving his life.

Nolan recovered quickly and was able to go home on his ninth day of life. As he grew, his spirited personality and big heart, both literally and figuratively, became his trademarks. At age six, he underwent a second procedure. Since the synthetic patch placed earlier couldn’t grow with him, doctors used a balloon catheter to stretch it and improve blood flow. The minimally invasive procedure was a success, and Nolan bounced back to his usual self within days.

By the time he was 11, Nolan was thriving. Though he saw his cardiologist regularly and understood he’d never “outgrow” his condition, that never held him back. Active, strong, and fiercely determined, Nolan proudly embraced life as a heart warrior. He even led his elementary school in fundraising for the American Heart Association, raising more money than anyone else.

Nolan, Eli, and Katelyn were each born with different heart defects. Only Nolan needed surgery, but their resilience unites them. Photo submitted.

His journey is made even more remarkable by his family’s story. Nolan’s two younger siblings were also born with congenital heart defects, each different, each unique. While Nolan required surgeries, his siblings have not needed medical interventions. Doctors remain unsure why all three children were affected, but what is clear is the strength and resilience of the family.

The Jutz family has long been dedicated to supporting their community, but Nolan’s experiences ignited a deeper sense of purpose: a personal commitment to give back. Watching his mom organize a blood drive, motivated in part by her own father’s need for weekly transfusions, Nolan jumped in to help. He manned the registration table, witnessed firsthand the importance of blood donation, and knew he wanted to do more.

Following the success of last summer’s blood drive, Nolan and Sara set out to organize another, this time at Nolan’s middle school. They transformed his personal journey into a powerful mission to raise awareness and inspire others to make a life-saving difference.

There is a lot that goes into organizing a blood drive, but Nolan’s greatest test came on April 18.

Pictured with his parents, Nolan recovered in the hospital after a lifesaving procedure that required 18 units of blood – April, 2025. Photo submitted.

During what was expected to be a routine stent placement, Nolan’s aortic valve ruptured, triggering cardiac arrest that lasted nearly 20 minutes. As blood rapidly filled his chest cavity, his left lung collapsed. In an urgent fight to save his life, doctors performed emergency surgery, relying on chest compressions to place the seven stents needed to repair the valve. Nolan required 18 units of blood that day, blood made available thanks to the selfless donations of others. That generosity is what saved his life.

Incredibly, just six weeks later, Nolan was back on the baseball field with his friends. His family, still overwhelmed by that day, speaks of how the experience changed them. “When you hear ‘18 units of blood,’ it hits different when it’s your child,” Sara said. “You don’t realize how much one small body can need, or how vital it is that the blood is there.”

Just six weeks after emergency surgery and 18 units of blood, Nolan is back and ready to hit the baseball field! Photo submitted.

Today, at 14 years old, Nolan is more than a survivor. He’s a fighter, an advocate, and a leader. He’s a student, a friend, an athlete, a big brother, and a boy whose strength has already changed so many lives. And he’s not done yet.

On June 30, family and friends supported a blood drive organized by Nolan and his mother at his middle school. Nolan greeted donors at the registration desk before joining his siblings for a well-earned lunch break. Each donor received a copy of Nolan’s story and was encouraged to share it to help raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations.

On June 30th, family and friends came together to donate blood at the drive Nolan and his mother organized at his middle school. Their hope was to collect enough to give back, to pay it forward for the many donations that once helped save Nolan’s life. They collected 41 pints of lifesaving blood – each one a testament to the power of giving and the impact of Nolan’s story.

Nolan continues to raise awareness and encourage others to donate blood, to give the gift of life, because he understands better than most just how vital it truly is.

He is, and always will be, a heart warrior.

The Jutz family. Photo submitted.

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).

25 Gallons and Counting: Larry Peterson’s Lifesaving Legacy

“That was good stick, kid,” said Larry Peterson with a laugh to phlebotomist Andrea Mason as she poked his arm. Larry came into the Wilmar Community Center to donate his 25th gallon of blood on Tuesday, January 28. The previous week, he had attempted to donate, but his blood pressure was too high – a sign of his excitement for the special occasion.

Dedicated blood donor Larry Peterson reaches his 25-gallon blood donation milestone on January 28, 2025, at the Willmar Community Center blood drive!

On December 7, 1960, Larry, who was 19 years old at the time, came to a Red Cross blood drive in his hometown of Montevideo, Minnesota, with his father to donate blood together. It was his father’s 10th gallon that day, and Larry decided to donate his first pint on the next bed over from his dad. Larry didn’t know it at the time, but this was the beginning of a lifelong adventure. Over the course of his lifetime, Larry has donated well over 200 pints of blood, with many of his donations being Power Red donations. Larry’s gifts of life have potentially helped save hundreds of lives.  

Larry’s binder documents a lifetime of giving. From his first donation in 1960 to his 25th gallon milestone — each article, letter, and card tells the story of a life dedicated to saving others.
(Photo by Red Cross volunteer Nate Russell.)

He carries a binder with him that contains newspaper articles detailing his blood donation, letters of notification for when his blood was used to save a life, and his blood donor cards dating back to the very first one in 1960. Now it has a new front page, which is his certificate congratulating him on reaching his 25th gallon milestone. 

Larry Peterson proudly marks his 25-gallon blood donation milestone with his Certificate of Appreciation now gracing the first page of his remarkable journey.
(Photo by Red Cross volunteer Nate Russell.)

Larry’s blood type is O negative, which is the most universal blood type – which can be transfused to anyone. It is often used in emergencies, trauma and surgery when a patient’s blood type is unknown.

Larry plans to continue donating lifesaving blood for many more years and many more gallons to come. And as it happens, his son is also O negative, so the family tradition of saving lives can continue.

Larry Peterson celebrates his 25th gallon of blood donated at the Wilmar Community Center on Tuesday, January 28 — honoring a lifetime of giving and saving lives.
(Photo by Red Cross volunteer Nate Russell.)

To learn more about donating Type O blood, click here. 

Story by American Red Cross volunteer Nate Russell.

Discovery of his rare blood type leads Pastor Riley to join the Red Cross mission

Originally published on the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region blog January 17, 2025 – by Michelle Limpe (American Red Cross communications volunteer).

As the largest non-profit humanitarian international organization, the American Red Cross unites volunteers globally in a common mission of service to others — a mission that blood donor Frank Riley strongly believes in. From his time serving in the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps to serving his communities as a pastor, Frank has made it a priority to live out the Red Cross mission in every aspect of his life.

Pastor Riley praying over a wounded service member in Afghanistan.
Photo courtesy of Frank Riley

Frank has been a consistent blood donor since 2008 after learning that he has cytomegalovirus (CMV) negative blood, a rare blood type needed by premature babies and children with weakened immune systems. He was informed of his rare blood type during his first donation at a drive hosted by the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

“I didn’t know about my blood type before,” he said. “When I got my donation card back, they said you’re CMV negative and that means my blood can help premature babies and kids who are fighting cancer. I realized that while my A+ blood was common, having CMV negative blood made me a part of less than 15% of the population.”

CMV is a very contagious, flu-like virus that can be deadly for babies and those who are immunocompromised. For babies with serious cases of CMV, some of the symptoms include premature birth, low birthweight and developmental conditions. While most adults who are infected with CMV have mild to no symptoms, they end up with CMV positive blood after their bodies develop the antibodies against the virus.

Those who have never caught CMV, like Frank, are considered to have CMV negative blood. Babies who need blood transfusions should only receive CMV negative blood, since their immune systems are not strong enough to fight the virus.

“I donated for the first time because I heard of a blood shortage at the children’s hospital,” Frank said. “Of course, I was kicking myself afterwards that I hadn’t started much earlier in my life, especially having CMV negative blood, but hey we start where we are.”

Since then, Frank has continued to donate blood wherever his life has taken him. While he was serving as a pastor of Grace Hill Church in Morgan Hill, Frank would donate blood regularly through Red Cross blood drives.

Recently, he moved to Minnesota and became the new pastor of Excelsior Covenant Church. In his new community, it is even easier for Frank to donate since the Red Cross has been running their blood drives at his church.

“As I give blood, I realize that I’m giving blood to people that I love in my community and people I haven’t met yet. It could be that today my blood is needed for somebody that I desperately care about,” Frank said. “As a Christian, which I am, there’s a reminder for me that centuries ago someone gave His blood for me. Keeping with my own Christian faith, I too have the ability to give blood for others. It doesn’t have the same impact, yet it is lifesaving.”

During his 18 years serving in the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps, Frank experienced firsthand the lifesaving potential of blood donations. He has been deployed a few times internationally serving marines and sailors.

Upon reflecting on his deployment, he recalled a particular memory in Ghanzi, Afghanistan that impacted his perception of donating blood.

“A terribly wounded service member was coming in and there was a need for blood. Throughout the operating base, the call went out over loudspeakers and everywhere for people with a certain type of blood. I watched as people ran from different parts of the base to get there ahead of the helicopter evacuation. It was desperate. It was urgent. It was in the moment. That was somebody that was coming in now,” Frank said. “I realized that while I might be more distant from it in my donations here, it is no less imminent for the family and loved ones that are hoping. The urgency is always there.”

As a non-combatant in the military, Frank’s military identification carried the Red Cross symbol on it. He highlighted that the Red Cross was very active throughout the combat area as a resource.

“There are these emotional ties. Part of that impact was coming back and continuing that partnership. In some ways, I was even carrying the symbol of the Red Cross with me wherever I went, even on my uniform, as I struggled to serve the country,” he said.

As a proud representative of the Red Cross, Frank continues to advocate to his family, friends and congregation on the importance of donating blood.

Frank affirmed his dedication to partnering with the Red Cross to continue providing blood drives at his church. He also shares images of himself donating on his social media pages as a way of encouraging others.

“It’s important, and I don’t hesitate to talk to people about it. My encouragement would be to understand this: You’re potentially about to save a life. You’re about to make a difference in ways that most people never do,” he said. “My encouragement to you is to overcome fear, to overcome anxiety, take a deep breath and try and give at least once. A lot of times, it’s that first barrier that keeps us from giving.”

According to Frank, everyone who plays a role in the blood donation process is joined by their belief and commitment to the Red Cross mission. He calls on more people to join the mission and share their gifts with those in need. “As you come to a drive, the volunteers andthe phlebotomists are there taking your blood and welcoming you warmly. You are in a room where every person is dedicated to saving other lives. How many rooms do you enter where all of you are part of that?” he said. “You might be a stranger giving blood across from me, but we’re in mission together. You might be the one checking me in and taking my blood, but we’re in mission together. Even if you’re the person offering cookies, we’re in mission together. Every person is dedicated to saving lives, and that’s a rare thing.”

Learn more about the importance and need for CMV negative blood here and make your appointment to donate blood like Frank here: redcrossblood.org.

Three Heroes of Compassion: Rebekah, Sharon, and Tracy – Blood Donors Making a Difference

At Sabathani Community Center, three remarkable women – Rebekah, Sharon, and Tracy – recently stepped up to give the gift of life, each with a personal story and a shared mission: to make a difference in the lives of those in need of blood donations.

Rebekah: Leading by Example

As the Community Health Navigator at Sabathani, Rebekah is no stranger to encouraging others to take action for their health and well-being. When the call went out for blood donations, she knew she couldn’t ask others to do something she wasn’t willing to do herself.

Leading by example, Rebekah rolls up a sleeve for the first time at Sabathani Community Center’s first blood drive.

“I believe in leading by example,” she said, reflecting on her decision to donate. Despite some initial nerves, Rebekah’s jitters were quickly put to rest by the phlebotomist, who guided her through the process with care and ease.

What made her donation even more meaningful was her understanding of the critical role blood transfusions play for patients, particularly those with sickle cell disease. While sickle cell hadn’t personally impacted her family, Rebekah felt deeply passionate about the cause, especially when considering the importance of matching ethnicities in blood donations for those affected by the disease.

Sharon: Returning to a Lifesaving Tradition

Sharon, a former Red Crosser, hadn’t donated blood in several years, but when her niece Rebekah called on her to help with the drive, she knew it was time to get back into the fold. Sharon’s return to the blood donation chair wasn’t just a personal milestone, it was a heartfelt way to support her community.

Former Red Crosser and blood donor, Sharon, returned to donating blood at the Sabathani Community Center’s blood drive, November 11, 2024.

“I knew it was time,” Sharon shared. “When Rebekah reached out, I couldn’t say no. It feels good to be able to help others in such a simple yet profound way.”

Her decision to donate wasn’t just about family – it was about making a difference in her community and giving back to a cause that had always been close to her heart.

Tracy: From Volunteer to First-Time Donor

Tracy’s story is one of transformation and inspiration. She began as a volunteer at Sabathani’s blood drive, helping organize and assist others who came to donate. But today, she took the next step: she became a first-time blood donor herself.

Tracy donates blood for the first time and encourages others to roll up a sleeve.

Tracy’s mantra that is etched on her arm, “Each day is a gift,” is a reminder to live life with gratitude and purpose – and today, she was able to share that gift of life by donating blood.

“I want to encourage others to donate too,” Tracy said with a smile. “It doesn’t take long, and you’re helping save lives. If more people knew how easy it is, we’d have more donors for sure!”

A Community Coming Together

These three incredible women – Rebekah, Sharon, and Tracy – show us the power of compassion and the difference one person can make in the lives of others. Their stories are a testament to the power of community, the importance of blood donation, and the lives that can be saved with a simple act of kindness.

A heartfelt thanks goes to Sabathani Community Center for organizing their very first blood drive and for continuing to raise awareness about the critical need for blood donations. Together, we can ensure that patients with sickle cell disease and others in need of transfusions have access to this life-saving resource.

Here’s to many more inspiring stories and to the continued partnership with Sabathani, as we work together to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our community.

Visit here to learn more about the importance of a diverse blood supply here.

12 Reasons to Donate at 12 Hours of Giving Blood Drive

It nearly goes without saying that the reason to donate blood during the 12 Hours Giving Blood Drive on December 19 is that your donation could help save up to three lives this winter. But since this is the festive season, we’ve added some sparkles to our list of reasons for you to donate the gift of life at this holiday drive.

1. Free gift wrapping!  Bring gifts that still need to be wrapped and we’ll wrap them for you.

2. Hourly prize drawings!  Prizes include but are not limited to a television, gift cards, and small appliances.

3. Free food and refreshments!  Scrumptious food, cookies, and drinks will be provided.

4. Convenient location! Finish up last minute holiday shopping at the nearby the outlet mall.

5. Help save lives! Our goal is 500 units of blood for patients in need.  Each unit could save up to three lives.

6. Photo opportunities!  Festive photos with Santa or Buddy the Blood Drop. Post on social media with hashtag #MNRedCross.

7. Easy sign-up!  Book your appointment online at RedCrossBlood.org or on the Blood Donor App. Sponsor code: 12 Hours

8. Share Your Story Tree! Share a story about donating or receiving blood products to hang on our Giving Tree.

9. Live Music! Instrumental and vocal groups will perform throughout the day.

10. Family tradition!  Donors return to this annual event year after year with their families to help save lives together.

11. Face art! Get a festive-themed face painting (hours: 2 to 7 p.m.).

12. New Year’s resolution! Kick-off the New Year now by becoming a regular blood donor or a Red Cross volunteer supporting blood donation.

Join us in Oakdale on Dec. 19.  Schedule your appointment here.

Happy Holidays!

#JoasStrong blood drive raises awareness for need

On March 8, MHC Software in Burnsville, Minn., hosted the #JoasStrong blood drive, collecting 41 pints of blood in honor of employee Bryan Joas. While riding a bicycle home from work on March 8, 2016, Bryan was hit by a car that fled the scene of the accident. The accident left him with life-threatening injuries that required 12 surgeries during his 88-day hospital stay. During this time, he received at least 35 units of blood and 11 units of platelets to help save his life. Now, Bryan and his wife Shauna are dedicated to raising awareness about the need for blood donation. You never know when you or someone you love will need blood, says Bryan. “Without lifesaving blood, my condition might be very different. I’m living proof that blood helps save lives.”

Bryan and wife Shauna were blood donors before the accident. And once they even went on a blood donation date! Although Bryan has some ongoing medical issues, he’s working full-time and looking forward to riding his bicycle again this spring and summer. Although unable to donate blood right now, hopes that he will be able to in the future. “I’m just a cheerleader right now, but I hope to be able to donate in the future,” he says. Bryan’s story is a testimony that blood on the shelves help save lives. Thanks to all people working to ensure that the Red Cross is able to support a stable blood supply for hospitals and patients we serve.

To help ensure a sufficient supply for patients, make an appointment to give now at rcblood.org/2nqkmU8. Click here to learn about hosting an American Red Cross blood drive; or contact Mary Pucel, Donor Recruitment Director, at mary.pucel@redcross.org or 651-291-3366.

Story and photo by Sue Thesenga, American Red Cross North Central Blood Services

Gophers Bleed Maroon & Gold for the Red Cross

Katie Kranz congratulates Chuck Seymour on making his first blood donation. Both are University of Minnesota seniors and Homecoming Court Members. Photo credit: Megan Barnes/American Red Cross

The Golden Gophers turned out in spades for the Ninth Annual American Red Cross Homecoming Blood Drive at the University of Minnesota. Everyone—students, professors, and alumni came together to save lives.

For Chuck Seymour, a senior and Homecoming King Candidate, it was his first time donating blood (GO CHUCK!). With a lot of reluctance and slight fear of donating and needles, Chuck met Geoff Kaufmann, CEO of the American Red Cross North Central Blood Services Region, who led him through the entire donation process (GO GEOFF!).

Geoff explained that one whole blood donation typically can help save three lives. And with an average of 22-25 blood drives in Minnesota each day, this generates vital help to those who need the gift of life. “It’s so great that this generation is willing to donate,” said Geoff. “The older generation felt a dedication to supplying blood and a lot of these people aren’t able to anymore due to chronic diseases. So, it’s a great thing to see this generation step up and donate their time and blood. The University of Minnesota is a huge support to the American Red Cross and it’s always good to be here.”

To help ease fears, friendly student volunteers (GO GOPHERS!) wearing maroon & gold Legendary U Homecoming t-shirts created an inviting room filled with snacks and festive music for the donors. Gopher student volunteers helped care for people post donation by monitoring how they felt and offering juice, water and snacks. Their volunteer support showed that this generation of students is indeed Legendary.

Geoff Kaufmann comforts Kirby Schmidt while he donates blood during the University of Minnesota Legendary U blood drive with the American Red Cross. Photo credit: Megan Barnes/American Red Cross

Kirby Schmidt, another senior and Homecoming King Candidate, was proud to show his Gopher Pride by donating his 9th time (GO KIRBY!). He wants future University donors to know that it’s easy and anyone can do it. “I recommend eating a big bowl of Raisin Bran and drinking 3-4 glasses of water when starting your day of the donation.”

In all, approximately 125 volunteers and 220 potential donors participated, making this drive a major contributor and partner to this cause. This was done by including pre-registration for those on a tight schedule or quick registration for those who just happened to walk by and felt compelled to donate.

Click here to find a blood drive in your area.

M! I! N! N! E! S! O! T! A! MINNESOTA! MINNESOTA! YAAAAAY GOPHERS!

Story and photos by Megan Barnes/American Red Cross