I faced not one but two unseen emergencies within a year. After recovering from fibroid surgery, where I needed multiple transfusions, it was just 10 months later when I needed another complicated surgery that nearly took my life. I needed so much blood that I continued to receive transfusions, even as I awoke from surgery.

It’s crazy to think that 20 years ago I died, but due to the selfless act of people who donate blood I am here today.