Versiti - Natalie Garner | Impact Stories
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Natalie Garner

“Every time I sign up to give blood, I cry as I remember my ‘why,’ and how thankful I am for all of those who helped my husband. I am grateful to be able to help give back.”

Natalie Garner

Natalie Garner’s husband, Taylor, was diagnosed with cancer on December 22, 2022. During his battle, he received numerous lifesaving blood transfusions, which helped to restore his hemoglobin levels and give him the strength to fight. “It was remarkable to see how these donations gave him life,” Natalie says.

Sadly, Taylor lost his battle with cancer in 2023. “We are so grateful for all of those people who donated blood and helped him to fight cancer up until his very last day,” Natalie says.

Now, she donates blood to ensure others have the blood they need to feel healthy. “Today, I donate blood in honor of those who gave to my husband and for those who are currently in need,” she says. “Every time I sign up to give blood, I cry as I remember my ‘why,’ and how thankful I am for all of those who helped my husband along the way. I am grateful to be able to help give back and give life in my husband’s honor and memory.”


People need people, make a difference in someone’s life by donating blood.

We must rely on each other for the gift of blood, and patients in your community rely on the generosity of Versiti’s blood donors to help. Please consider scheduling an appointment to donate. If this is your first time, donating blood is quick, easy and relatively painless. And, it is a great way to give back and help patients in your community.


Impact Stories | Blood Donation

 

Val Helmer

Val’s wife, Bonnie, received platelets as part of her treatment for colon cancer. After Bonnie lost her battle in 2012, Val began donating platelets in her memory and has nearly reached his goal of 100 donations.
 

Gia Danninger

Gia was diagnosed with aplastic anemia at 5 years old and received blood transfusions to prepare her body for a bone marrow transplant. Now 11, she’s doing well and her mother, Jenna, is grateful to everyone who helped her daughter.
 

Rhett Kallenberger

Four-year-old Rhett Kallenberger is bravely fighting leukemia. During a 40-day hospital stay, he received six blood and platelet transfusions that gave his body the strength it needed to endure grueling chemotherapy. 
 

Lily and Bailey Dove

Identical twins Lily and Bailey beat leukemia and are grateful for the blood donors who helped keep their bodies strong throughout treatment.