Emily Alanis, and her son, Elliot, were saved thanks to the generosity of blood and platelet donors.

When she was pregnant, Emily was diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpora (ITP), a rare blood disorder that causes low platelet levels. With low platelets, Emily’s blood could not clot – and the condition was passed on to her baby. Both of their lives were at risk.

Emily underwent a C-section to deliver Elliot, after which both of them received blood and platelet transfusions. Elliot spent a week in the NICU, but thanks to three transfusions, his bleeding stopped. Now, he and his mom both have bright futures ahead together.

“It brings tears to my eyes. My newborn received the gift of life from blood donors,” says Emily. “I have always been passionate about blood donation, but now I am at a whole new place of understanding and appreciation.”

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.