Versiti - Impact Stories
 

Bonne Czuhajewski

“I felt proud knowing that I was partially responsible for my community being able to maintain an adequate blood supply for patients like my husband.”

Bonne Czuhajewski

Blood Donation

Bonnie Czuhajewski began donating blood in 1980, as a senior in high school and has made it a life-long habit. “My motivation was never from a personal experience of receiving blood products, or even a loved one needing blood products,” she says. “I did it because it seemed like an easy thing to do that could actually save someone’s life.”

Over the years, Bonnie has coordinated blood drives at her church, but it wasn’t until 2020 that blood donation directly impacted her family. That year, her husband John was hospitalized after developing an autoimmune disease that started attacking his organs one by one. “He received many, many blood products in an attempt to save his life,” Bonnie says. “I felt proud knowing that I was partially responsible for my community being able to maintain an adequate blood supply for patients like my husband.”

Sadly, John passed away from his illness, but that hasn’t stopped Bonnie from donating whole blood and platelets to help others in need. “I am proud to be a 21-gallon donor (so far), and I try to inspire others to donate whenever I can,” she says.


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

 
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Sarah Gross
Sarah was “completely unaware” of her extremely rare blood type—O negative and Vel-negative, until she began treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in December 2017.
 
Matilda Franks
Regular blood donor Matilda spent her career as a cardiovascular surgical nurse and has seen firsthand the impact that donated blood has on patients.
 
Blood Donation FAQs
Read frequently asked questions involving donor eligibility, donation process, blood safety, platelet donation, plasma donation and more.
 
Types of Donations
Volunteer to donate blood at a blood donation center near you. Find out how often you can donate blood and make an appointment to donate today.
 
Importance of Diverse Donors
Diverse blood donations improve blood transfusion outcomes for sickle cell patients and diverse blood recipients. Make an appointment to donate blood.
 
Where to Donate Blood Near You
There are may options where you can make your blood, platelet, or plasma donation. Your donations provide hospitals in your community with precious blood products that patients desparately need.