Claire Foster became involved with Versiti’s lifesaving mission in 2019, when her brother received seven units of blood and four units of plasma during emergency surgery following a terrible accident. “Knowing how critical donated blood was to saving my brother’s life inspired me to give back in my own way by becoming a blood donor,” she says.

Claire made a point to try to donate blood twice a year. “It seemed like an easy way to contribute to my community by giving something valuable to others in need,” she says.

During her first pregnancy, Claire learned her baby was breech and would need to be delivered via C-section. Donating her placenta and umbilical tissue seemed like another chance to help others. “It was tissue that would otherwise be discarded,” she says. “It was a great opportunity to continue the practice of giving back, and it was also a way to involve my daughter from the first day of her life.”

Claire understands the value of birth tissue for patients with severe burns, diabetic ulcers and traumatic wounds and encourages other expectant mothers who will deliver their babies via planned C-section to consider donating their placenta. “Think about how your tissue donation will benefit someone who is suffering,” 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.