Day of Service – Bonfils Blood Center
When I think of heroes today, I count those who – without reward or recognition – give of themselves… those who donate blood are undoubtedly among our great heroes!
I would have never imagined needing regular infusions of blood products to maintain my quality of life. And yet, here I am. Every month, I spend a day at my neurologist’s office getting an IVIg infusion. Intravenous Immunoglobin (IVIg) treatments contain the pooled immunoglobins from the plasma of roughly one-thousand people… amazing! And I receive that treatment monthly to address the symptoms of a very rare neurological, auto-immune condition called Stiff Person Syndrome. These treatments have so greatly improved my quality of life as I’ve dealt with this relentless disease, and I am truly grateful for the countless donors whose gift allows me to continue to run Fireside and to be a mom, wife and community member – who has a life-altering condition but isn’t defined by it.
My experience is part of what inspired our spring 2018 Fireside Day of Service… and it turns out, Fireside’s Eric Hoffman also had a personal story to share. I hope you’ll read Eric’s blog called, Why Give Blood.
In true Fireside fashion, our team rallied the community in support of the Bonfils Blood Center blood drive at the Arvada Elks Lodge. It was a powerful day, and we are so thankful to everyone who showed up to donate or spread the word about the importance of blood donation.
You can hear more about my journey with Stiff Person Syndrome in this video… and be sure to consider giving blood to Bonfils Blood Center. Your gift means the world to people like me!
