Like many moms, Kristi Weber connects with other parents through Facebook groups, where they offer each other words of wisdom and advice. It was in one of these groups that she first heard about placenta donation. “I thought that was kind of interesting,” she says. “I knew going into my third pregnancy that I was going to have an exit date.”
Kristi did some research and was interested to learn that donated placenta can be used for skin grafts and to heal other wounds. She wasn’t planning on doing anything with her placenta after her son’s birth, so she made the decision to donate it so that it could be of use to someone else. “I don’t need the parts anymore, and if that can help somebody out, I would be so happy,” she says.
On the day of her scheduled C-section, Kristi’s doctor was running early, but she made hospital staff wait to give Versiti representatives time to get to the hospital and take custody of her placenta after her son Reis was born. Everything went smoothly, and now Kristi shares her story in the event that other mothers with scheduled C-sections are considering donating their placenta, too.
“I don’t mind talking or sharing, because it might be able to help someone else donate,” she says. “If you’re able to and you have a scheduled C-section, it’s easy—it’s a no brainer.”
Kristi even circled back to her Facebook mom groups to share her experience and encourage other mothers to think about placenta donation. “I’m glad I stumbled upon it, and I hope it’s able to help somebody,” she says.
Your Blood Can Help Someone Thrive
For many people living with sickle cell disease, donated blood is more than a treatment. It can mean more time at home with family, more days at school or work, and more opportunities to enjoy the moments that make life meaningful.
People with sickle cell disease need blood transfusions throughout their lives. Closely matched blood can help make those transfusions safer and more effective. That is why donors from every background are needed, and why African American donors can play an especially meaningful role. Certain blood characteristics that can be important for people with sickle cell disease are more commonly found in donors with shared ancestry.
When you donate blood with Versiti, your gift may directly support someone living with sickle cell disease or another patient who depends on donated blood. You become part of a community of care helping people feel stronger, stay healthier and live fuller lives.
Schedule an appointment today. Your blood could be the match someone has been waiting for.
