Tim and Alana never imagined that one day they might meet someone who was directly impacted by one of their blood donations. But when Nicole, who survived an amniotic fluid embolism during childbirth, wanted to meet her blood donors, they jumped at the opportunity.
Tim was one of several donors who had the experience of a lifetime meeting Nicole at a private event. “To actually get to meet the person and hear her story … it was awesome,” Tim recounted.
Tim and Alana began their journey together as blood donors five years ago, a passion that has enabled them to double their impact on patients’ lives.
Alana has been donating blood since high school and got started through school blood drives. After she mentioned it to her future husband, Tim, he told her it sounded kind of cool and asked to tag along.
The rest is history. Five years later, and the couple is still going strong. Perhaps more than most, Alana understands the value behind donating blood — she has given blood for more than two decades.
“I have family in the medical field, so I know the background, how serious some of this stuff is,” Alana said. “Knowing that I can help in some way is really beneficial.”
Tim feels the same way, and they both agreed that donating together is like a date night.
“We do it together sometimes,” Tim said. “Knowing that you’re helping someone by donating your blood, sitting there for 10-30 minutes, it feels good.”
Alana learned the value of blood from her mother, who also made donating a habit. Her mother understands the importance of blood donation and the extraordinary impact donors can have on people’s lives.
“My mom is in the radiology field. She’s the blood type that can be donated to babies. She likes to brag about that. Knowing all the differences it can make, both in the medical field itself but also day-to-day life, kind of helps.
Alana continues to encourage others to donate blood.
“There might be a mobile [blood drive] not far from your workplace, or maybe try and encourage your workplace to do a blood drive, and then it’s not an inconvenience at all because you pop in on a break. Give it a shot,” Alana said. “It can change a life.”
Little did they expect to actually meet one such life.
Tim and Alana’s story is a testament to the power of giving and the difference regular blood donors can make.
By Jeremy T. — Vitalant Contributor