Donate for Mother’s this May

Thankful Mom Urges Blood Donors to Give This May

NORTH DAKOTA/MINNESOTA.— Every day, generous blood donors help ensure patients and their families get more precious time together. Approaching Mother’s Day, a

Minnesota mom is urging the community to support blood donation and honor moms this May.

What began as a routine delivery quickly became a life-threatening emergency for Samantha as she prepared to welcome her fifth child. After being induced, she experienced a placental abruption and severe complications, leading to significant blood loss and an emergency C-section.

Her baby boy was delivered safely, but Samantha required multiple lifesaving blood transfusions during and after surgery. The additional transfusions helped restore her strength, allowing her to hold and name her son and begin her recovery.

Within days, Samantha was able to return home to her family. Stories like hers highlight the critical role blood donors play in saving lives and supporting patients during medical emergencies.

Eligible Blood Donors Needed

An always-ready blood supply is vital to support moms in 1 in 83 deliveries, and for many more patients who are fighting cancer, undergoing heart or transplant surgeries or living with blood disorders. All blood types are constantly needed, especially type O and platelet donations. Type O blood can help the most patients, which is critical when there’s no time to test the patient’s blood type. Platelets, which help stop bleeding, must be used within a week of donation.

Multiple Ways to Help

Trish has also been a blood donor since high school. She is again healthy and donates regularly. She and her extended family host blood drives, another vital way to introduce blood donation to community members. Making a financial gift to the Vitalant Foundation is another impactful way to help. Learn more about all the ways to support patients at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant blood donor app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).