Sandra Reed, the pastor of the Bar Harbor Congregational Church is alive today because of the selfless generosity of blood donors. As a newborn, she needed blood transfusions to replace all of her blood and keep her alive. In fact, both she and her mother needed blood to survive. The hospital was able to meet the blood needs of both Sandra and her mother. “I simply wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for blood donors,” Reed shared.

Shortly after Sandra’s birth, her father contacted his friends at work, and within an hour, more than twenty people had signed on to donate blood to replace the blood that his wife and new daughter had used. Today, blood is available to any patient who needs it. Patients are no longer required to find donors to replace the blood they use. It is a community responsibility.

As an adult, Sandra donated blood regularly through the American Red Cross until she was diagnosed with cancer. She fought and conquered her cancer. For a number of years, Sandra’s cancer history meant she couldn’t donate blood. However, Sandra recently learned that many cancer survivors can now donate blood. There are actually a number of eligibility changes. Sandra hopes that others will call 1-800-GIVELIFE to see if they are indeed now eligible. As a pastor, she’s seen blood transfusions as an important part of the healing process for so many.

Sandra was among the first to donate blood at an American Red Cross blood drive at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church recently. “I hope we’ll have a good response,” said Sandra. “It doesn’t really hurt, it doesn’t take very long, and it’s so important for us to think of the needs of others. And it’s great that even sixteen year olds can give blood in Maine (with parental permission). What a great way for our young people to do something to really make a difference!”

Red Cross blood donors help patients just like Sandra in cities and towns throughout New England and across the United States. Please….give blood.

Patient Stories