By: Alana Mauger

For many, rolling up a sleeve to give blood takes on new meaning once you’ve seen the impact it can have for patients and their families. Bucks County father of two Michael Greenberg can attest to this experience. When his wife Alison was battling leukemia, blood transfusions gave them more time together.

Alison spent a year and a half in and out of hospitals, undergoing treatments that included chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. 

“With almost every treatment, Alison needed a blood transfusion. Blood donations can give families more time together,” Michael shared.  

Alison lost her battle with leukemia in September 2019, just 17 days before her 40th birthday. 

Michael is grateful for that extra time he and his daughters Alexis and Olivia, ages 22 and 11, had with Alison. He now donates blood every 56 days to help provide hope and time for other patients and their families. But donating blood himself wasn’t enough.

In 2020, Michael partnered with American Red Cross to host the first Alison’s Avengers blood drive – a love letter to Alison held on Valentine’s Day, her favorite holiday. Michael hopes it will become a Valentine’s Day tradition.

“What better way to celebrate a love day than to give blood?” he asked.

Over the past two years, Alison’s Avengers made 112 blood donations. And since each donation can help up to three people, as many as 336 patients may get more time with their loved ones as a result. 

“I think [Alison] would be proud,” Michael said. 

Blood drive hosts needed

Hosting a blood drive is a rewarding experience that can help hundreds of patients. The Red Cross urgently needs sponsors to host blood drives throughout the spring and summer. To learn more about hosting a blood drive and to sign up, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.