January 11, 2024
More than 50 years ago - on December 31, 1969 - President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation designating January as National Blood Donor Month (NBDM). The new monthly observance was meant to honor voluntary blood donors and to encourage more people to give blood at a time when more blood is needed. In honor of National Blood Donor Month, AABB News is pleased to highlight donors’ contributions and the transformative power of blood donations. Learn more about Jen's journey below.
Jen Lentini, 40, received her first blood transfusion at age 13 after undergoing heart transplant surgery. Since then, blood transfusions have become a part of her routine life. Lentini spoke with AABB News about the importance of blood donations and how the selfless act of donating blood recently saved her life.
I was a very healthy and active child until I started having severe stomach pains at age 13. After months of going to different doctors and hospitals, I had an exploratory surgery in my abdominal region and went into cardiac arrest on the table. The doctors discovered I had cardiomyopathy. They didn’t think I’d survive and told my parents “Your daughter is dying of heart failure. You need to come and say goodbye.” I was even given last rites.
Thankfully, the doctors were able to stabilize me. I found out I needed a heart transplant when I woke up, but I didn’t fully understand what that meant at 13 years old. I figured my process would be like my brother’s experience, who had had open heart surgery at age two. I was in the hospital for three months, and I received my heart transplant from a 14-year-old boy. That was the first time I received multiple units of blood and was introduced to the world of blood transfusions.
Without blood donors, there is no organ transplant because a patient receiving a transplant requires many blood donations throughout the procedure. I don’t think a lot of people realize this.
The New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe) has been an important part of my life for 20 years. They’ve watched me go through different stages of my life and receive many blood transfusions. I help them with blood drives, and I’m always happy to speak at their events because sharing my story is my way of giving back. It’s been nice having NYBCe beside me throughout my journey. I like to think that maybe everything I’ve gone through will help someone else going through their storm. It brings me happiness to let people know they are not alone and to raise awareness about blood donations.
In August, I ended up needing to get a cold cone biopsy. I started hemorrhaging one week after the procedure. The hospital had to give me two units of blood right away. I need blood transfusions on a regular basis because I’m anemic; however, this was an urgent situation and I needed emergency surgery. The hospital staff didn’t even have time to optimally match my blood type because my hemoglobin was so low. If I had arrived at the hospital an hour later, I probably would not have made it.
I continued bleeding after my emergency surgery, and I needed more blood transfusions and platelets. I received nearly six blood transfusions. I’m thankful for those two emergency transfusions. If it wasn’t for those blood donors, I would have never had the chance for emergency surgery. I wouldn’t be here.
You never know if it’s going to be you, your child or a family member who needs a blood transfusion. If you would be willing to receive a blood donation, you should also be willing to donate if you’re healthy enough and qualify. I always tell people: you’re not just helping one person when you donate blood. You’re helping everyone they come in contact with.
Blood transfusions have been a part of my life for 27 years. I’m never going to stop needing them. I don’t think blood donors realize how important they are in helping patients live our lives. You can’t do basic everyday activities without blood transfusions, like going to the supermarket or walking.
Receiving the heart transplant 27 years ago was an amazing gift, but without all the blood donors, this heart would not keep going. So, I want to thank blood donors for giving me this opportunity to keep living my life from the bottom of my heart and my organ donor’s (Matthew) heart — because we share it. I met my organ donor’s mom last year, and I would have never had that opportunity without the blood donations to keep me going.
As transfusion recipients, we might not know who our blood donors are because we don’t get to meet them, but they’re saving people’s lives every day. They’re real-life heroes who don’t wear capes.
Blood donors have saved my life multiple times throughout the years. I’d never thought I’d see 40, so I’m very fortunate and grateful. Thank you for letting my gift of life continue on.
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