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Kimberly (Kim) Christy works at MEPCOM (US Military Entrance Processing Command), North Chicago, Illinois where a blood drive by the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) Blood Processing Division, Great Lakes is held approximately every 56 days. She routinely donated blood with the ASBP before becoming ineligible due to a medical condition. Determined to ‘keep on’ saving lives, Christy now helps find donors and encourages them to donate at the MEPCOM blood drives.
Christy’s primary reason for donating blood hits close to home. One of her family members was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer often found in the small glands on top of the kidneys (adrenal glands), at a very young age and would have passed away after just six months if they did not have access to blood transfusions on a regular basis. He received over 100 blood products and was able to survive, and ‘keep on’ for over two years after being diagnosed.
“Because of the medical treatments and blood transfusions he received, he got to ‘Make a Wish’ and got a camper [van] to go camping in 2021, making tons of memories and friends along the way,” Christy explained. “Donations of blood that he received helped give his family more time to make memories that they will always cherish.” Malcolm was known for having an infectious smile and a sweet personality that could light up a room.
"The need for blood continues every day, even holidays. Donors with a fighting spirit like Mrs. Christy and patients like Malcom are my motivation,” said, Navy Lt. Cdr. Michael Collins, Division Head, Blood Processing Division, Great Lakes. “We need a large diverse supply of blood products to meet the needs of patients like Malcom. Mrs. Christy may not be able to donate anymore, but she is still doing her part motivating people to become new donors themselves.”
Christy understands the importance of ASBP’s mission and wants others to know that when a person takes the time to donate blood, they also give time to patients in need, like her family able to spend more time with their sweet boy.
“Like Mrs. Christy, we need people to continue to donate,” said Tressa Vanderlois, ASBP blood donor recruiter, Great Lakes. “There are so many people like Malcolm that are fighting every day for their life and need your help. Just think about it, it is as simple as pulling up your sleeve.”
When donating blood with the ASBP, it can save the life of not only a warfighter, but also their family member in need. When a donor ‘keeps on’ giving, the ASBP can help ‘keep on’ saving lives.
Visit militaryblood.dod.mil to find out where to give or more information about the ASBP.
About the Armed Services Blood Program
Since 1962, the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) has served as the sole provider of blood for the United States military. Our mission is to provide quality blood products and support to military health care operations worldwide. The ASBP collects, processes, stores, and distributes blood products to service members, their families and retirees in peace and war. In an ASBP Enterprise view – Military Health Affairs, Defense Health Agency, Service Blood Programs and Combatant Commands – we operate under common goals, metrics, procedures and work together to shape the future. Our program also works closely with our civilian counterparts in times of need to maximize the availability of this national treasure.
To find out more about the ASBP or schedule an appointment to donate, please visit www.militaryblood.dod.mil. To interact directly with ASBP staff members or get the latest news, follow us @militaryblood on Facebook, Twitter and @usmilitaryblood on Instagram.
| Date Taken: | 07.25.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 07.29.2022 09:18 |
| Story ID: | 425700 |
| Location: | NORTH CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 100 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, More Time for Memories: ASBP Supporter Shares How Donations Help Others ‘Keep On’, by Jonathan Davis, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
