Sue O'Hara shares her story, in her own words
Many years ago, I heard of a young church mother battling cancer needed help. Without hesitation, I donated platelets. Little did I realize that this donation, this simple act of kindness, would "return" back to me through our son 15 years later.
It was January 2018. Our son Michael was returning to the states after studying in New Zealand. He was very sick and hospitalized immediately. The University of Maryland's Medical Center (UMMC) in Baltimore, MD acted swiftly and Michael became a recipient of a new liver that March.
Bedside, watching the bag hang from the IV pole, I recognized his new liver and blood were donated by caring and selfless individuals that did not know Michael any more than I knew the young church mother fighting her own battles all those years ago.
As months went by, an infection threatened Michael's life, and ultimately the infection won and Michael passed that October. I cannot forget that God gave us an extra 7 months with Michael by way of a new liver and transfusions coupled with the expert skills of the nurses and doctors.
My husband and I are regular blood donors. It is a precious gift that we hope will help someone recover who is critically ill. If you are a first time blood donor, I reassure you the process is very simple and the value is priceless and immeasurable. It is so easy to set aside the time to donate.
ConnectLife allows me to dedicate Fridays to donating platelets for someone in need. They are very accommodating and give me an opportunity to support individuals possibly when it is needed most.
I am also on the list to donate my organs at the end of my life. When I saw first-hand what someone's donation did for my son, I hope to do the same with my decision.