Every year, nearly five million people in the United States receive blood transfusions. Darrell Moilanen, a social worker for Linden Community Schools, started donating blood while in college.
"My dorm was right next door to U of M Hospital and they would put signs out periodically about donating blood," Moilanen said.
But it wasn't until Moilanen needed donations herself until she realized just how crucial the gift of life actually is.
"Like right now," Moilanen says, "if I don't get blood, I don't know what would happen to me."
Moilanen was recently diagnosed with a blood disorder known as Myelodysplasia, or MDS. It occurs when red blood cells die in the bone marrow, resulting in anemia. In many cases medical experts say MDS can develop into a form of leukemia. The only cure is a bone marrow transplant.
Moilanen says she is on a bone marrow transplant list and is a good candidate because of her age. But until a match is found, she will continue to receive atleast one blood transfusion a month. And to help make sure the blood bank stays stocked, students and staff at Linden Schools are hosting a blood drive in Darrell's honor.
Moilanen says she's thankful a blood drive is being held in her name, but she wants to remind everyone who comes out that there are millions of people out there who are also in need of the gift of life.
"I just like to increase awareness about how great the need is to donate and build up the blood bank supply," Moilanen said. "It's scary to think they could run out of blood, then I don't know where I'd be."
BLOOD DRIVE
Where: First Presbyterian Church
119 W. Broad Street
When: Thursday, May 20th 1:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
