Story told by Megan Miller, Red Cross Volunteer

At 23 weeks pregnant, Ann Spritzer, of Indian Land, SC had no idea that her life and her unborn child were about to be in immediate danger. Ann started hemorrhaging blood and was rushed to the hospital. Upon arrival, her blood pressure was dangerously low. She immediately received a unit of blood, saving her and stabilizing her enough to return home. Unfortunately, the bleeding returned only a week later. Her condition once again necessitated a blood transfusion. Because of donors, Ann was able to receive two more units of lifesaving blood saving both her and her baby.

“Those three pints of blood saved my life, saved her life,” Ann expresses gratitude to the donors whose blood she received. “Erin was born very healthy, 7 pounds, 6 ounces!”

Both Ann and her daughter, Erin Baird, are passionate about donating blood, understanding they are here to tell their story because someone else donated blood they received. 

“That was something that she instilled in us very early: that donating is a good thing to do. My mom, my dad and I have always given,” said Erin. “Donors saved our lives--both of us. We’re incredibly grateful, and certainly we wouldn’t be here without them. I like to think of the people we’re able to help too when we give blood.” 

Ann and Erin both want to encourage people to donate blood alongside them, especially those who may be feeling fearful. 

“It’s really not painful, and it only takes an hour out of your day,” said Ann. “It’s no big thing for you, but you can truly, truly help someone who needs it.” 

“For many of us, it’s not as scary as you may think it is, and not as painful as you may think it is, once you do it the first time and they walk you through everything, it’s pretty easy to do again,” said Erin.

Join Ann and Erin in saving lives today. There is an emergent need for donors of all blood types to donate blood and save lives. Schedule your blood donation appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.