One year ago, I was sitting in a Dr's office getting some stitches out after a surgery.  As soon as my bandage was off, I almost threw up.  I started getting hot and had to pull my sweatshirt off so I could try to calm down.  I think a whole team of people rushed into the room to help and brought me water, cold washcloths to put on my forehead, and stood next to me to make sure I stayed upright.

If you get queasy at the sight of blood, do NOT keep reading.

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Over 400 People Who Can Handle The Sight of Blood Are Needed in Rochester, Minnesota

I know everyone is getting ready for Christmas right now and pretty consumed with all the prep that takes.  I've got three kids, have family coming over on Christmas, and my house right now looks like a natural disaster hit.  #NoJoke.

The day after Christmas though, the reality that our family has been dealing with the past year is back.  In fact, the day after Christmas, we are back to a room at infusion therapy for most of the day.  My husband has been sick for about a year and every 28 days he has an infusion because his body decided to quit making antibodies.  His chance to get an infection...anything...is extremely high.  That infusion that he gets through an I.V. fills him up with what his body needs to give him that protection for a little bit and it is only possible because of people who decided to give platelets.  If you have ever done that, you are saving his life and my family is forever grateful to you.

Jessica Williams
Part of the infusion that my husband gets every 28 days - Jessica Williams
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Jessica Williams
Jessica Williams
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Just because Santa is coming and we are flipping the calendar to 2024 does not mean that people aren't having life-saving medical procedures or that medical emergencies aren't happening.  In Rochester, Minnesota, we KNOW that people are here because of a surgery, treatment, appointment, or a life-saving procedure.  According to Dr. Jeskewitch at Mayo Clinic, "We need approximately 100 blood donors per weekday to meet the needs of all of the patients being treated here at the clinic.”

If you've been looking for a way to give back or volunteer this holiday season, sign up to give blood this week.  It's easy to get a time that works best for your schedule.  Just call 507-516-5259 today and know that the hour you are spending giving blood is helping save the lives of loved ones this holiday season.  Learn more at the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor website.

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