Clare Scheller, blood transfusion recipient and inspirational blood donation advocate, understands the importance of giving the gift of life.

Imagine graduating from high school, while preparing to enter college, and suddenly during your shift working as a summer lifeguard you start feeling so dizzy that you are sent home. Your mother takes you to see your family physician for blood work, because you are still feeling uncharacteristically weak.  When you arrive home, your mother gets a call from the doctor that your blood work was irregular and you must travel to Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health and prepare for a multiple-day stay.

Clare Scheller, 21, doesn’t need to imagine because this was her reality.

 “My mom and I both became extremely worried deep down inside,” said Clare, “but we assured one another that it was probably a mistake or some kind of virus that was making my blood counts abnormal.”

 Her arrival at Riley was met with various tests and questions.

 “I could tell that there was definitely something wrong with me,” said Clare.

 After days of nervous anticipation, Clare was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. At this time, she began chemotherapy treatment.

 Unfortunately, Clare’s woes didn’t end there. Pains in her lower left leg caused her to require immediate attention at Riley. Originally, Clare and her mother assumed the pains were merely chemo side effects. “As my parents were later told, while I was in a medically induced coma in the intensive care unit,” said Clare, “I had developed a life-threatening infection that was sending my body into septic shock.”

 Her doctors realized to restore Clare’s health they would need to remove her leg. However, Clare had lost so much blood her doctors had doubts that Clare would survive surgery. Clare’s parents made the painstaking decision to allow leg amputation surgery to save her.

 Gratefully, the surgery was a success. Prior to undergoing the amputation and other related surgeries, Clare relied heavily on blood transfusions. “These transfusions saved my life,” said Clare. “I would not have survived without them.”

 Ultimately, Clare was able to continue her treatment and through rehabilitation she learned to walk again. After spending a total of four months in Indianapolis, Clare was well enough to return home to Evansville.

“I continually visit Riley once a month for blood work and check-ups,” said Clare.  “I can walk with a prosthetic leg and I’m getting back to an independent lifestyle, with being a full time student.

In July 2012, Clare completed her chemotherapy treatment and is now in remission. She attends University of Southern Indiana where she studies public relations and advertising, and is a proud member of the Delta Zeta sorority.

 Clare and her family know firsthand the great need for blood and blood donors, and they are committed to spreading the word and putting in the work to pay it forward. Her family has continued to support our life-saving mission by donating and hosting blood drives.

Clare and Theresa are currently members of the exeuctive committee for the University of Southern Indiana’s Dance Marathon.

 Clare’s sister, Theresa, initiated a dance marathon at Clare’s former high school while she was in treatment.  

Clare’s mother works in the Nursing and Health Professions Department at the University of Southern Indiana.  The blood drive she hosted, in January, amounted to the university’s most successful blood drive to date.

“I would encourage anyone to give blood because there is a constant need for it,” said Clare.  “Kids and young adults, like me, are getting diagnosed with cancer every day, and blood is a critical part of our treatment.”

Follow the Scheller family’s stellar example and visit DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

Cathy Summers of Greenwood, Indiana

 

Cathy is a committed platelet donor, donating every two weeks. She is also an I Pledge member and has pledged to donate platelets 24 times this year. Cathy enrolled in I Pledge because she believes it’s a “nice perk” as she plans to give anyway.

“Cathy is a wonderful woman and is a very dedicated platelet donor,” said Nicole Brosseau, donor center specialist in Greenwood. “We are fortunate for her support.”

Cathy’s first donation experience was during a blood drive hosted by her employer. When the company recruited employees to participate in their blood drive, they called on Cathy. Although terrified of needles, Cathy set aside her fear and gave an hour of her time and donated blood.

When asked what has kept her coming back, Cathy said, “I’m healthy and able to give, so as long I’m able, I will continue to donate.”

Cathy is a long-time blood donor, but recent circumstances have further impacted her views on blood donation. Cathy’s daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, so donating blood now has an even greater impact on Cathy.

Understanding the busy lives of young people today, Cathy encourages them to donate when they can. “Just pay it forward,” said Cathy. “If the time comes where you need blood, you want to feel you have done your part.”

Now that you’ve read Cathy’s inspiring story, it’s your turn. Visit DonorPoint.org to join our life-saving network and schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

The relationships we have built with local hospitals allow Indiana Blood Center to give back locally the 180,000 blood products we collect annually. We could not complete the transition from donor to patient without these hospitals.

Over the next few months we will be highlighting many of the hospitals we supply, sharing with you the contributions these hospitals provide to our community.

Franciscan St. Francis Health

HIGHLIGHTS

• Franciscan St. Francis Health is a faith-based health care system and part of the Mishawaka-based Franciscan Alliance.
• Includes hospitals in Indianapolis, Mooresville and Carmel; urgent-care and other outpatient centers and more than 50 physician practices
• Areas of specialty: cancer, heart and vascular, orthopedics, primary care, colon and rectal care, and weight loss
• Received the 2013 HealthGrades Outstanding Patient Experience and Patient Excellence awards
• National leader in development of new treatments for cardiac and vascular disease; orthopedics and colon and rectal care.
• Number of beds : 608
• Sees 23,000 inpatients annually (1.3 million outpatients)
• 4,100 employees

BLOOD

Thanks to all the dedicated Hoosiers who take time to Raise Their Sleeves, Indiana Blood Center shipped 11,574 components to all three Franciscan St. Francis Health locations between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012.

GIVING BACK

Franciscan St. Francis Health understands Indiana Blood Center’s mission and the importance of lifesaving blood components and because of it Franciscan St. Francis Health – Indianapolis and Mooresville have joined Indiana Blood Center’s 2013 I Pledge program. Franciscan St. Francis Health has pledged to raise 107 sleeves throughout 2013. They are off to a great start already having raised 43 sleeves. Upcoming drives:

• May 3 from 7 a.m. – noon at Franciscan St. Francis Health – Indianapolis
• May 9 from noon – 5 p.m. at Franciscan St. Francis Health – Mooresville

Stay tuned… more hospital highlights to come. In the meantime, click the appropriate location above to make an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve. Help Franciscan St. Francis fulfill its pledge!

Step Four: Refresh 

You’ve uncovered the quick and easy nature of blood donation via steps one two, and three. Now comes the best part – snacks and relaxation.

As the final post of the Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series, we would like to share with you the last and final step of the donation process—refresh.

At Indiana Blood Center, refresh is seated, quite time to allow your body to adjust to its new levels of fluids and blood volume after blood donation.

The benefits of refresh are dual:
1) Allows the body to adjust
2) Provides the opportunity for immediate fluid and nourishment intake

Adjustment Period
It is highly recommended that you take a full 15 minutes to relax and take in nourishment. Sitting quietly helps your body’s ability to maintain a healthy blood pressure and heart rate, and give the body time to adjust to the mild decrease in the amount of blood in your circulation. Moving around, or even standing, too soon can make you uncomfortable since in the short term the body is slower to respond to the increased demand placed on your circulation by standing or walking. It is best to minimize the demand in the short term by taking a moment to rest before moving.

Nourishment
Fluids lost to blood donation are fully replenished within 24 hours, but increasing fluid intake during the first four hours after donation is most important. Eating and drinking plenty of fluids following blood donation are central to having a pleasant donation experience. Take in more fluids than usual; water is preferred, but any non-caffeinated nonalcoholic beverage will do.. For those not on low salt diets, salty snacks may help to hold those fluids. Keep in mind, moderation is key. Heavy eating may worsen any post-donation fatigue or lightheadedness, as blood will be diverted to your stomach and intestines to aid digestion.Eat several light meals throughout the day, and do not skip any meals (remember it is also important that you eat well before you come to donate – please do not skip a meal before you donate). It is also best to drink water slowly over a few hours, and avoid excessive caffeine (which causes you to lose fluids). Alcohol will also cause you to dehydrate, and is best avoided after blood donation.

Remember to eat a good, preferably iron-rich meal prior to donation. This too helps ensure the satisfaction of your blood donation experience.

And that’s a wrap. Four easy steps are all it takes and you will have someone’s undying gratitude. 

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Indiana Blood Center’s donation process. We encourage you to join our life-saving network by visiting DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

Brandon Doig of Fishers, Indiana

 

Between attending high school and refereeing soccer, Brandon, 17-year-old Fishers High School student, is a dedicated whole blood donor at our Fishers donor center.

Brandon was first introduced to Indiana Blood Center at a blood drive hosted by Fishers High School. Without hesitation, Brandon joined our cause. “It was pretty easy,” said Brandon.

“Brandon is a consistent, dedicated donor,” said Jennifer Barrett, donor center specialist at Fishers, “who donated 5 times in 2012.  Only having been eligible for about a year, it’s impressive that Brandon has already made five donations.”

Following his initial donation, Brandon quickly became a regular. And since he is already a frequent donor, it was without much thought that Brandon decided to enroll in our I Pledge program.

“People need blood,” said Brandon, “and I have plenty to give.”

Along with the patients at the hospitals we supply, Indiana Blood Center is fortunate to have Brandon’s support. Thanks to Brandon for supporting our lifesaving mission.

What can you do? You can follow the Brandon’s admirable example by visiting DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

Step Three: Donating Double Red Cells

Moving forward with Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series, we would like to share an additional donation option —donating double red cells.

At Indiana Blood Center, you have a choice of donating whole blood, platelets, double red cells, or plasma. One double red cell donation results in twice as many red cells as a typical whole blood donation. Red cells transport oxygen to body cells, remove carbon dioxide, and contain iron in the hemoglobin.

DID YOU KNOW?

• From start to finish the double red cell donation process takes about 60 minutes.
• A donor can donate double red cells every 112 days.
• Eligibility for donating double red cells is based on the donor’s hemoglobin and total blood volume, which is calculated using donor’s height, weight, and gender.
• A double red cell donation can be made at all Indiana Blood Center donor centers and at some mobile drives.

Phlebotomy (process of drawing blood)
You will start by relaxing in a comfortable, reclining chair while a blood technician prepares to draw your red cells. Before your red cells are collected, it is important to determine which arm is best to use. If you think one side will prove to be more effective, feel free to share this information with your blood technician. Having identified the best suited arm, the blood technician will clean the site for 30 seconds with an antiseptic. He/she will then apply a blood pressure cuff, or tourniquet, to cause your vein to distend in preparation for drawing blood (you may also be asked to squeeze your hand to increase pressure in the vein to optimize the process). A single-use, sterile needle attached to sterile tubing and a collection bag will be used for phlebotomy.

Collection
The first part of your blood donation will flow through the tubing into a small bag called a diversion pouch. Any bacteria still present after application of antiseptic will flow with the blood to the diversion pouch. The diversion pouch also collects enough blood to provide samples for required testing for infectious diseases and to confirm blood type. The diversion pouch collects about 40mL of blood. The remainder of your blood donation will continue along the tubing into the collection bag.

To collect double red cells, your whole blood must be separated into its four components. Indiana Blood Center uses a process called apheresis to separate whole blood into its platelets, plasma, white blood cells and red blood cells components. The machine used then collects the components based on your physiology and blood count. Once the red blood cells are separated and collected in the blood bag, most of the platelets and plasma are returned to your body along with some saline to balance your fluids.

Well done! What a simple way to give back twofold.

Stay connected next week for more information on Step Four: Refresh (the last and final step of Indiana Blood Center’s donation process). In the meantime, visit DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

Step Three: Donating Platelets

As we continue with the Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series, we would like to share with you another donation option – donating platelets.

At Indiana Blood Center, you have a choice of donating whole blood, platelets, double red cells, or plasma. Platelets (the yellow stuff in your blood) are small cell fragments in the blood that help control bleeding. They are needed by many types of patients, including those undergoing cancer treatments, bone marrow or organ transplants, trauma procedures or open heart surgeries.

DID YOU KNOW?

• From start to finish the process of donating platelets takes about one and half to two hours.
• You can donate platelets every seven days.
• The shelf-life of platelets is five days and therefore, the need for platelets is constant.
• Platelets can be donated at all Indiana Blood Center donor centers and on our platelet bus.

Phlebotomy (process of drawing blood)
You will start by relaxing in a comfortable, reclining chair while a blood technician prepares to draw your platelets. Before your platelets are collected, it is important to determine which arm is best to use. If you think one side is will prove to be more effective feel free to share this information with you blood technician. Having identified the best suited arm, the blood technician will clean the site for 30 seconds with an antiseptic. He/she will then apply a blood pressure cuff, or tourniquet, to cause the vein to project in preparation for drawing blood (you may also be asked to squeeze your hand to increase pressure in the vein to optimize the process). A single-use needle attached to sterile tubing and a collection bag will be used for phlebotomy.

Collection
The first part of your blood donation will flow through the tubing into a small bag called a diversion pouch. Any bacteria still present after application of antiseptic will flow with the blood to the diversion pouch. The diversion pouch also collects enough blood to provide samples for required testing for infectious diseases and to confirm blood type. The diversion pouch collects about 25mL of blood. The remainder of your blood donation will continue along the tubing into the collection bag.

To collect platelets, your whole blood must be separated into its four components. Indiana Blood Center uses a process called apheresis to separate whole blood into its platelets, plasma, white blood cells and red blood cells components. The machine used then collects the components based on your physiology and blood count. Once the platelets are separated and collected in the blood bag, the plasma and red blood cells are returned to your body along with some saline to balance your fluids.

That’s a wrap. Feels good. How simple it was to donate.

Stay connected next week for more information on Step Three: Donation (Double Red Cells). In the meantime, visit DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

Step Three: Donating Blood

You passed! Your mini-physical confirms you are eligible to donate.

As we continue with the Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series, we would like to share with you step three of the donation process—donating whole blood.

At Indiana Blood Center, you may choose to donate whole blood, platelets, plasma or double red cells. Whole blood is the most common donation type, during which the equivalent of one pint of blood is collected. Red blood cells from your whole blood donation have a shelf life of 42 days and donors can make a whole blood donation every 56 days.

The process of drawing whole blood (called phlebotomy) is quick and easy, and complete in about 15 minutes. To start, you will relax in a comfortable, reclining chair while a blood technician prepares to draw your blood. The phlebotomy process follows.

Phlebotomy
Prior to collecting the blood, it is important to determine which arm is best for drawing blood. If you think one side will prove to be more effective feel free to share this knowledge with your blood technician. Once the best suited side is identified, the blood technician will clean the site for 30 seconds with an antiseptic. Then, he/she will apply a blood pressure cuff, or tourniquet, to cause your vein to project in preparation for drawing blood. (You may also be asked to squeeze your hand to increase pressure in the vein to optimize the process). A single-use needle attached to sterile tubing and a collection bag will be used for phlebotomy.

Collection
The first part of your blood donation will flow through the tubing into a small bag called a diversion pouch. Any bacteria still present after application of antiseptic will flow with the blood to the diversion pouch. The diversion pouch also collects enough blood to provide samples for required testing for infectious diseases and to confirm blood type. The diversion pouch collects about 25mL of blood, then the remainder of your blood donation will continue along the tubing to the blood collection bag. The bag has a maximum volume of 500 mL, and is placed upon an automated scale to ensure the correct amount of blood is withdrawn.

Indiana Blood Center Blood Technician providing blood donor with post donation instructions

After filling the blood bag, you have fulfilled your donation requirement. At this time, the blood technician will disconnect the blood bag. Having completed this portion of the process, the blood technician will then clean your arm and provide you with post donation instructions. These instructions inform you of the dos and don’ts following blood donation.

That was easy. Can you think of a simpler way to make a life-saving difference?

Stay connected next week to gain more information on Step Three: Donation (Platelets and Plasma). In the meantime, visit DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

Somewhere between balancing a successful career and family life, Judge Gerald Zore has found time to donate blood 739 times, dedicating an estimated 1,478 hours of his time at Indiana Blood Center to help people he will never meet.

Judge Zore began raising his sleeve to save lives while attending college. He recalls his biology teacher, Sister Adelaide, OSF, encouraging him to donate blood. Since his college years, he has continued to give.

Judge Zore, 71, was recognized as an Indianapolis Business Journal Health Care Heroes finalist at IBJ’s awards breakfast. He was one of three finalists in the volunteer category out of a large selection of nominees.

After donating whole blood a few times, an Indiana Blood Center blood technician explained to Zore the importance of  platelets, which are needed by many types of patients, including those undergoing cancer treatments, bone marrow or organ transplants, trauma procedures or open heart surgeries. Despite the two hours it takes to donate platelets, Zore didn’t think twice about making the switch. Again, he did it for one simple reason – because it is the right thing to do.

I always feel good about volunteering,” said Judge Zore. “I’m hoping this will encourage other people to do it.”

With each life touched by his blood donation, without ever knowing those he helps or expecting anything in return, Judge Gerald Zore is a true Health Care Hero.

Now it’s your turn, follow Judge Zore’s excellent example of selfless leadership and generosity by scheduling an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve at DonorPoint.org

Step Two: The Mini-Physical

You’re registered? That’s great, now you are ready for the next step of the donation process. As we continue with the Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series, (after Step One: Registration) we would now like to share with you step two of the donation process – the mini-physical.

Indiana Blood Center’s mini-physical is one of donors’ health benefits of giving blood. During this time, a blood technician will examine your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin level and explain your results. The mini-physical is intended to protect the health of you, the donor, as well as the patient who will receive your blood.

Our mission is to connect healthy Hoosiers with patients in need. Thus, each and every donor must be feeling healthy and well in order to complete the blood donation process.

Temperature
Fever may be the first sign of an infection. Therefore, a donor who has a temperature exceeding 99.5°F will be ineligible to donate until the temperature has remained below 99.5 for more than 24 hours, and any symptoms (cough, congestion, diarrhea etc.) have resolved.

Blood Pressure
It is important for donors to have acceptable blood pressure levels, as well. Blood pressure that is too high or too low indicates that the donor may not be at his/her healthiest, and may not tolerate the donation process well. Donors’ blood pressure must be between 90/50 and 180/100 to be eligible to donate. Taking blood pressure medication does not make you ineligible, as long as your blood pressure is within the acceptable limits.

Hemoglobin Levels
Hemoglobin levels are tested to verify donors have enough red blood cells to safely donate blood, and to ensure an appropriate “dose” is provided for the patient. Those who have a hemoglobin level below 12.5 will be temporarily deferred. This is to ensure the donor has a sufficient level of hemoglobin to support the production of red blood cells to replace those lost to donation. A low hemoglobin level may be associated with anemia (too few red blood cells), often due to iron deficiency. A diet that is low in iron rich foods may explain low hemoglobin levels for some donors.

Weight
You must weigh at least 110 pounds to donate blood. You will not be weighed, but you will be asked to report your weight to the best of your knowledge. People of lower weight have a smaller blood volume and are less able to safely and comfortably tolerate the loss of fluid from a blood donation. There is no established upper weight limit for blood donation.

The mini-physical ensures that you are healthy enough to donate and that Indiana Blood Center is connecting hospitals, medical centers and patients with the best possible donors.

Stay connected next week to as we discuss Step Three: Donation (Whole Blood). In the meantime, visit DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.