Kristen's story is different compared to the ones we normally share. She's never donated blood. But she's received it; a lot of it.
"I am the recipient of 26+ units of blood that saved my life and without it I wouldn't be here," Kristen explained. "I developed DIC after I had an emergency c-section at 29.5 weeks pregnant with twins. I had 2 additional surgeries and I spent a week in critical condition where I received blood and platelet donations. The hospital actually ran out of blood and more had to be brought in."
Kristen said that she never donated blood before needing it because she always thought that someone else would do it.
"I was always scared to donate and thought someone else would donate and I didn't need to. I see it a lot different now," Kristen said. "If those people wouldn't have donated, I wouldn't be here. I know my story is different, but I am passionate about spreading the word of blood donations!"
Kristen can't donate because of low platelets, but she encourages everyone that can donate to give.
"You will never know where your blood goes, but I want you to think of the recipient, the mother, the wife, the daughter, the sister, the friend, the woman whose life you could drastically change. You may never know her, but I can promise, she thinks of you daily and thanks the universe you decided to donate."