RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Biomedical Services

  • A mother speaks out on her son’s sickle cell diagnosis to help others

    By Jenny Farley

    Tiara Thomas with her son Ethyn, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease soon after his birth. Submitted photo.

    In the days after Tiara Thomas gave birth to her son Ethyn, she learned devastating news.

    “The realization of having to be scared all the time, be on edge all the time, knowing that my child will never have a normal life,” she said.

    The routine heel stick performed on newborns at the hospital revealed Ethyn had the most common genetic blood disorder in the United States — sickle cell disease. It affects 1 out of every 365 Black or African American births.

    “He can never do some of the things that a normal child does. It was just very upsetting.”

    In people who have sickle cell disease, red blood cells are hard and shaped like a crescent, instead of being soft and round. The blood cells can’t adequately carry oxygen throughout the body, which can lead to extreme pain, organ damage, anemia and sometimes even strokes. Many patients will need several blood transfusions throughout their life.

    “The Red Cross has meant everything because, if my son has to get a transfusion, and even if it’s not my son, there are so many other people in the world that need these transfusions.”

    Ethyn is a toddler now and like all toddlers, Tiara said sometimes he can be a “handful,” but most of the time he is “laid back or playful.”

    He loves music and starts dancing when he hears it. He also loves books he can touch and feel.

    At times it’s hard to know if he is in pain. Whenever he gets a fever, Tiara has to rush him to the emergency room to make sure he’s not having a complication that could threaten his life. Sometimes he has to be admitted.

    When she thinks about the biggest challenge moms of kids who have sickle cell disease face, Tiara said unfortunately there are too many to choose from.

    “One of the biggest, for sure, would be the fear of not knowing when my son could possibly take his last breath due to this disease.”

    She’s speaking out about her son’s diagnosis to help other people who suffer from sickle cell disease and to get the word out about what everyone can do to help – most importantly donate blood. “Please donate, please.”

    Tiara works as a community health worker at Crescent Foundation, an organization that helped her when her son was first diagnosed. “They have been a blessing to me and my son. I love working there.”

    Crescent Foundation helps people learn about sickle cell disease and get the resources they need to thrive.

    “They know how passionate I am about this cause and how dedicated I am.”

    Discovering your child has a genetic disease can be overwhelming.Tiara said when she found out it hurt “unbearably” and she “cried like a baby for weeks.” A community of supporters, like the American Red Cross and Crescent Foundation, can help.

    “You’re not in it alone, you’ll get through it.”

    One in 3 African American blood donors are a match for people with sickle cell disease. To help make sure patients get the blood they need, the Red Cross is working with partners in Black communities to increase the number of blood donors who are Black.

    Tiara said, “As African Americans, we have been in some trying times. Unfortunately, that’s always been our case. However, these last few years, we’ve seen us come together. And I feel like we should do the same when it comes to this call because this is another form of protecting our community.”

    To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

  • Phlebotomists Recognition Week Spotlight: Tennille Scheidt

    Editor’s Note: To commemorate Phlebotomists Recognition Week, we’re highlighting select American Red Cross phlebotomists. These valuable team members carry out all aspects of the blood collection process while ensuring donors have a safe and welcoming experience.

    Tennille Scheidt. Submitted photo

    By Alana Mauger

    Almost two years ago, Tennille Scheidt saw a job listing on Indeed for an American Red Cross phlebotomy position. She thought it would be a great opportunity for her daughter, who was working toward a career in health care.

    When the training schedule didn’t fit with what her daughter was looking for at the time, she encouraged Tennille to apply herself.

    “She said, ‘Mom, you should do it! They train you. You can start a whole new career,’” Tennille recalls.

    Tennille left her job as a dining supervisor at an assisted living facility and started her training as a Red Cross phlebotomist.

    The Red Cross offers six weeks of paid, comprehensive training for phlebotomists at all levels, including those like Tennille who have no prior experience in the field.

    Because of her supervisory experience, Tennille was hired as a collections specialist II, also called a “charge,” which means she is responsible for all blood collection activities at assigned blood drives.

    She calls her new career a “happy accident.”

     “It’s the best thing that ever happened,” she shared. “I love it!”

    Tennille likes being in a new place every day and enjoys meeting different people from a variety of backgrounds and hearing their stories.

    And if you’re thinking about donating blood for the first time, she has some advice. “Everyone feels a little nervous. Just think about the people that benefit!” she said.

  • National Donor Day: Sharing the gift of love

    By Samantha Munro

    Donate Life graphic – Happy Donor Day: National Donor Day is February 14. Share the love and register today. RegisterMe.org

    It is fitting that National Organ Donation Day is the same day as Valentine’s Day as it is an expression of love — the love of life! Observed every year on February 14th, National Donor Day is an observance dedicated to spreading awareness and education about organ, eye and tissue donation. National Donor Day was started in 1998 by the Saturn Corporation and its partner, the United Auto Workers and is supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    No one wants to think of death, but when you associate it with the life of another, you may start thinking of it differently. More than 100,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, and every 8 minutes another person is added to the national transplant waiting list. Sadly 6,000+ people die each year while waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.

    National Donor Day is a day to recognize those who have given and received the gift of life through organ, eye and tissue donation, currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant, and those who died waiting because an organ was not donated in time.

    Organ transplant surgeries are almost always accompanied by the use of blood donations. For example, in 2021, the average amount of blood products transfused during heart transplantation surgeries was 7.83 units of red blood cells, 2.67 units of fresh frozen plasma, 13.13 units of platelets and 1.74 units of cryoprecipitate. For lung transplantation surgeries, the average is even higher: 14.84 units of red blood cells, 12.29 units of fresh frozen plasma, 23.63 units of platelets and 2.57 units of cryoprecipitate.

    This is why the American Red Cross strives to keep its inventory of blood products at a level to handle a possibility of multiple transplants, traumas and treatments. Visit our website to learn more about donating blood or to schedule an appointment.

    To learn more about organ, tissue and blood donation check out these websites:

  • Phlebotomists Recognition Week Spotlight: Theresa Morgan

    Editor’s Note: To commemorate Phlebotomists Recognition Week, we’re highlighting select American Red Cross phlebotomists. These valuable team members carry out all aspects of the blood collection process while ensuring donors have a safe and welcoming experience.

    Theresa Morgan. Submitted photo

    By Alana Mauger

    When Theresa Morgan began her phlebotomy training at the American Red Cross in May 2022, she couldn’t have predicted that blood transfusions would help save her life a few months later.

    Unknown to her doctors, the abdominal pain Theresa was experiencing after a car accident turned out to be from a rapidly growing tumor on her kidney. One day it ruptured, and her body went into sepsis. She received 8 units of blood.

    Afterward, Theresa returned to work with a renewed focus.

    “I love the fact that I can explain to the donors how their donations impact and help people in hospitals. I like sharing my story. I tell them how much I appreciate them coming out,” she said. “One of those people I stuck could have been the one to help me!”

    A year ago, Theresa was promoted from donor collections assistant to collections specialist II or “charge,” which means she is responsible for all blood collection activities at assigned blood drives.

    She’s driven to collect as much blood as possible, all while providing donors with a positive experience. Theresa is also focused on educating Black and African American donors about how their blood can help individuals living with sickle cell disease.

    In the Southeastern Pennsylvania blood region, blood from donors who self-identify as Black is marked with a blue tag, designating it as a potential match for a sickle cell patient. For many people with sickle cell disease, closely-matched blood transfusions are lifesaving.

    “I stress to my team, it’s so important to mark that blood with a blue tag,” she said. “I make sure we have blue tags at all of my drives.”

    A natural caregiver, Theresa worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for three years before coming to the Red Cross. She’s currently halfway through her studies at Montgomery County Community College on her way to becoming a registered nurse (RN).

  • Phlebotomists Recognition Week Spotlight: Jasmine Glover

    Editor’s Note: To commemorate Phlebotomists Recognition Week, we’re highlighting select American Red Cross phlebotomists. These valuable team members carry out all aspects of the blood collection process while ensuring donors have a safe and welcoming experience.

    Jasmine Glover. Photo by Jenny Farley/American Red Cross

    By Jenny Farley

    When Jasmine Glover’s mother beat cancer, it inspired her.

    “Seeing everything she had to go through made me want to be in that health care setting just to help people,” she said.

    Jasmine trained as a medical assistant before working for the American Red Cross as a phlebotomist, where she takes donor health histories as part of her job.

    “I do hear a lot of stories. Sometimes you will find that one donor you just connect with,” she said.

    Jasmine loves the perks of the job like traveling to meet new people and comforting first time donors.

    “They’re always nervous when they come in.”

    Jasmine described one donor who said he waited 30 years to give blood because he was “terrified.” She told him how she ended up working for the Red Cross.

    “It eased his mind and he was like, ‘you know, I will come back. It’s not as bad as I thought it was.’ So I thought that was pretty cool.”

    When people donate blood, they undergo a short physical exam.

    Jasmine has heard donors talk about how the Red Cross saved their lives because those exams led them to their doctor where they discovered “they did have something going on.”

    If you are interested in giving blood, Jasmine said it doesn’t take that long and you won’t be alone.

    “We’re going to take care of them. We don’t really leave their side.”

  • New Red Cross Blood Donation Center opens in Philadelphia

    By Alana Mauger

    The new American Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Philadelphia. Photo by Adam Stockett/American Red Cross

    Philadelphia residents have a new way to help save lives with the American Red Cross. The new, state-of-the-art Philadelphia Blood Donation Center, just across the hall from its former location, is part of a multi-phase renovation of the 245,000 square foot facility at 700 Spring Garden St.

    The expanded donation center opened on Feb. 2 to whole blood, Power Red and platelet donors. Robert Klutz of Lafayette Hill was the first platelet donor through the doors when the facility opened. He’s been giving platelets since 1975 and has made over 160 donations over the years.

    Robert wasn’t expecting a new donation center when he arrived that morning, but he was pleased to learn he was the first platelet donor. As he enjoyed snacks in the canteen area after donating, he assured us he’ll be back soon.

    “Now that I’m back in the groove, I donate every 4 weeks,” he said.

    Platelet donor Robert Klutz with Red Cross phlebotomist Patrice. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    Platelets are tiny cells in the blood that form clots and stop bleeding. They have a shelf life of only five days, making the demand for donations constant and critical. Platelet donors are able to relax and watch videos or television during the two- to three- hour donation.

    Angela Liem of Philadelphia made her very first platelet donation on Feb. 2, arriving shortly after Robert. She had only recently started donating blood again and decided to give platelets a try.

    “I got an email saying there’s a need for [platelets], and I had the time, so I decided to try it,” she said, adding that it went well and she’ll be donating again.

    Angela Liem made her first platelet donation on Feb. 2. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    Donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood who meet specific height, weight and hemoglobin requirements are encouraged to make a Power Red donation – a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely returned to the donor.

    Tyler Baldo of Philadelphia was excited to be the first Power Red donor in the center’s doors on Friday. Despite the rainy weather outside, Tyler found the new Blood Donation Center to be bright and welcoming.

    Power Red donor Tyler Baldo. Photo by Dave Skutnik/American Red Cross

    The Philadelphia Blood Donation is Center is open 7 days per week, 365 days per year. Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:45 a.m.- 8 p.m.; Thursday, 10:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 7:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Visit our website to schedule an appointment.

    Cell and Gene Therapy Solutions and Specialized Donor Program

    Next to the Blood Donation Center, separate areas for our Cell and Gene Therapy Solutions, including a specialized Leukopak donor program, and clinical apheresis are also now open.

    The Red Cross Cell and Gene Therapy Solutions team plays a key role in the research, development and production of treatments. Services included autologous procedures, where patients donate their own cells for transfusion prior to medical procedure, and allogeneic collections, where healthy donors give cells for transfusion to another person.

    One of the solutions offered is the Specialized Donor Program, where donors are compensated for providing mononuclear cells – immune cells that can help patients fight infections and disease. These cells can also manufactured into products known as Leukopaks, or white blood cells, used for product development, testing, training and other functions.

    Individuals wishing to learn more about the Specialized Donor Program may call 1-833-595-2214.

    The Clinical Apheresis Donation Center is currently being used to support patients with stage 4 prostate cancer who require an apheresis collection for an FDA-approved drug therapy collection. (Apheresis is the removal of one or more blood components, like plasma, platelets or white blood cells, and transfusion of the remaining blood back into the donor.) The center is also used for any in-house apheresis collection to support Red Cross Cell and Gene Therapy trials.

  • Give blood in honor of Black History Month

    Red Cross Biomedical Communications

    Red Cross graphic: Black Excellence Is in Our Blood

    During Black History Month this February, the American Red Cross honors the significant achievements of Black Americans and the vital role blood donations from individuals who are Black play in meeting the transfusion needs of patients and those with sickle cell disease. Right now, the Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage, and donors are urged to give blood or platelets as soon as possible to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not delayed. 

    With the theme “Black Excellence Is in Our Blood,” the Red Cross honors the vibrant legacies of trailblazers whose collaborative spirit of excellence continue to shape the organization’s humanitarian mission:

    Frederick Douglass, a prominent Black abolitionist and author who escaped slavery, supported Clara Barton’s efforts to establish the American Red Cross. Having been impressed by Barton’s aid to soldiers who were Black during the Civil War and her desire to improve the protection of the wounded during wartime, Douglass signed the original Articles of Incorporation for the Red Cross in 1881. February is designated as Black History Month to honor Douglass’ birthday on Feb. 14.

    Howard University, one of the nation’s top historically Black colleges and universities, formed its Red Cross Unit in March 1917 under the leadership of Red Crosser Hallie E. Queen. Determined to aid the war effort, students met daily to make 1,000 hospital supplies before the semester ended, and coordinated entertainment for Black soldiers stationed at Fort Meade. Howard University carries on this tradition today through its Red Cross Club, which hosts blood drives and completes community service projects.

    Dr. Charles R. Drew, a surgeon and pioneer of modern blood banking, was named the first medical director of the Red Cross National Blood Collection Program in 1941. His work with the Red Cross helped save the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians during World War II. Dr. Drew’s efforts to increase the blood supply led to the use of bloodmobiles and other collection, preservation and distribution processes still used today.

    Commemorate Black History Month by rolling up a sleeve to give blood or platelets. Use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule an appointment today. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Feb. 1-29, 2024, will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Join the Red Cross in elevating Black Excellence during Black History Month: Discover and support Black-owned businesses on Amazon! Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/heart for details.

  • National Blood Donor Month: Grateful for transfusions when she needed them, Brittany Berrodin pays it forward

    By Jenny Farley

    Brittany Berrodin with her husband Matthew and children Louie and Matilda. Submitted photo

    When Brittany Berrodin went into the hospital to give birth to her first child, she had no idea she would need blood before she could leave.

    Brittany’s pregnancy had been a smooth one, but she developed preeclampsia and had to be induced – the start of a long labor.

    The Mayo Clinic says patients with preeclampsia may have high blood pressure and the pregnancy complication can be fatal to the mother or the baby.

    “Then when I gave birth to him, I hemorrhaged. And I lost a lot of blood,” she said.

    Brittany knew she was anemic, but she didn’t expect that her low hemoglobin level would mean she had to get a blood transfusion. “That was really scary to me.”

    After the first transfusion, her hemoglobin level was still so low that medical staffers were surprised she had the strength to stand up. That’s when she needed a second transfusion.

    Doctors eventually cleared Brittany to leave the hospital and go home with her newborn son.

    “After that happened I was like – I want to give blood. I didn’t even know this was possible during delivery.”

    Right now, the American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage. Donors are needed to make sure transfusions like the ones that helped Brittany still happen. Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%.

    During Brittany’s second pregnancy with her daughter, she had to receive iron infusions at the hospital. Her IV stand was next to cancer patients who frequently needed blood or platelet transfusions. That gave her even more incentive to become a blood donor.

    Brittany makes sure her iron intake is good to keep her hemoglobin at the required level to donate. “I was able to give, so I was really excited.” She says donating blood makes her feel really good and she plans to keep doing it.

    After the ordeal she suffered giving birth the first time, Brittany still considers herself fortunate. “I was at a good hospital. I had a good team. You know, I was lucky I could get the transfusions.”

    She has advice for people who might be hesitant to donate blood, “Don’t think about blood leaving your body. Think about the people you’re helping.”

    To make an appointment to donate blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

  • Dangerous winter weather intensifies emergency blood shortage

    By Alana Mauger

    Red Cross graphic – Weather is impacting efforts to rebuild the blood supply. Please sign up to give.

    The American Red Cross continues to experience an emergency blood shortage as severe winter weather has further impacted the ability to rebuild the blood supply. Blood and platelet donors are urged to give now to help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not delayed.

    The national blood supply remains at critically low levels. Blood drives have been canceled in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood. As a result, nearly 15,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected this month alone. In Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, canceled blood drives and missed donation appointments have caused more than 300 donations to go uncollected since Jan. 1.  In addition to dangerous road conditions, many Americans have dealt with flight and shipping delays, and the Red Cross is no different. Snow, ice and extreme temperatures have made it tougher to move vital blood products across the Red Cross network, affecting deliveries to hospitals in some locations.

    As much of the country warms up this week, individuals are urged to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all those who come to give Feb. 1-29, 2024, will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

    The nation is currently facing the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. When fewer people donate blood, any disruption to blood donations – like recent weather systems – can have a huge effect on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion. Generous blood donors are vital to ensuring those in need of transfusions have access to lifesaving care.

  • National Blood Donor Month: Sandy Trewella gives blood in honor of her late husband’s battle with cancer

    By Jenny Farley

    Blood donor Sandy Trewella with her late husband Jeff. She donates blood in his honor. Submitted photo

    Sandy Trewella met her husband Jeff when she was a high school senior and he was a college freshman. They worked together at a drug store where he taught her to use the cash register. They even went to prom.

    “He made life fun. He really did,” she said.

    Last October would have been their 47th wedding anniversary, the first Sandy celebrated without Jeff.

    “He was just one of those people you don’t forget.”

    Sandy described her husband as a “great father” to their two kids and a man who “loved adventure,” especially on the water.

    He owned a sailboat and a kayak and loved whitewater rafting, hiking and biking.

    Sandy called Jeff a true “Renaissance man.” He earned a PhD in organic chemistry and owned several patents. He built beautiful shelves.

    “He was one of those guys. I’ve never had to hire anybody to fix anything because he could fix everything.”

    Jeff rarely got sick so when he started feeling bad it was unusual. A trip to the doctor led to the emergency room and an overnight hospital stay.

    “As the hours went and he saw more doctors, it got worse and worse.”

    Jeff had multiple myeloma, the same cancer that killed his mother more than 30 years before.

    “When we got the diagnosis, it was like, alright, we can do this. He’s so healthy.”

    Doctors diagnosed Jeff with cancer just as Sandy was retiring from teaching third grade after 28 years. They sought out top doctors and embraced treatment to try for a chance at remission.

    They bought a big telescope so Jeff could learn about the stars, and they made countless trips to the hospital so he could get the one thing that could buy him time. Blood.

    During the ten months Jeff was sick, he received more than 100 blood and platelet transfusions.

    “Every time a new bag came we were so grateful to whoever had donated it.”

    The transfusions didn’t just keep Jeff alive, they helped improve the quality of his life. Neighbors knew he had gotten blood on days he was able to walk his dogs or ride his lawn mower to cut the grass, because the blood transfusion gave him the energy to do it.

    “He’d start to feel tired again, we’d get the blood work one day and they would say you have to come in, you need more blood.”

    Sandy says Jeff felt guilty about how much blood he was getting and he told his doctors. They said, “Don’t feel guilty. Everyone gets what they need.”

    To make that happen, people need to donate. Right now, The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in nearly 20 years. Blood and platelet donations are needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not delayed.

    During their many trips for blood transfusions and doctor visits, Jeff helped Sandy make a checklist. A devout Catholic, he wasn’t afraid to die, but he wanted her to have a practical guide if the worst should happen. Together they planned his funeral.

    Jeff died in hospice at home on Valentine’s Day 2023. He was 69 years old.

    “He was such a great guy, and I just miss him so much.”

    Out of gratitude to the donors who helped Jeff live longer, and to honor her beloved husband, Sandy now donates blood regularly.

    “It just gives me a good feeling. That I can give back a little bit for all that we were given.”

    Sandy has O negative blood, which means she is a universal donor just like her father, who also donated blood frequently. She plans to become a Red Cross volunteer so she can help more people donate blood.

    To make an appointment to donate blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).