At just 6 months old, Yasmeen Anis-Shah was diagnosed with beta thalassemia major, an inherited blood disorder that reduces the body’s production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that contains iron and carries oxygen throughout the body. Low levels of hemoglobin can reduce oxygen levels, causing complications like delayed growth; liver, gall bladder and heart problems; and even premature death.

To manage her disease, Yasmeen receives two units of blood every month. “Over my lifetime, I have received over 500 units of blood,” she says. “I rely on blood donors to stay alive.”

It’s because of the selflessness of blood donors that Yasmeen has been able to achieve her dreams.

“Thanks to blood donors, I am able to have my dream job as an elementary school teacher … and was able to find the love of my life and get married,” she says. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the generosity of blood donors.”

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.