Erica Hailes’ family of four has been impacted threefold by blood donation. Not only did she receive a blood transfusion during pregnancy, but her husband and son have undergone multiple transfusions to improve their quality of life.
Erica first benefited from blood donation when she had her son, Ian, in 2014. She had an emergency C-section when his heart rate dropped. Thankfully, Ian was fine – but she had hemorrhaged, and a blood transfusion saved her life. In the days following childbirth, Erica received a second blood transfusion and an iron transfusion to get her health to where it needed to be.
“At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the impact of those donations. I just knew that someone’s gift of blood had saved me,” said Erica.
A Family’s Deeper Connection to Blood Donation
In 2017, Erica’s husband, Paul, was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In early 2018, he had a major relapse – having trouble walking, talking, and swallowing. His neurologist suggested plasma exchange, and after his first treatment, Paul was able to walk again.
“It was miraculous,” remarked Erica.
He has had five plasma exchanges total, and now, with regular infusions, he’s been relapse-free since April 2018.
A Son’s Diagnosis
Years later, her son Ian was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia on Christmas Day. It started with stomach pain. They thought it was something simple, but the next day, Ian’s pain was unbearable. After a trip to the ER and several tests, they were transferred to Dell Children’s where blood work revealed Ian had leukemia. He started chemo that very night.
During the first nine months, the Hailes were at the hospital weekly. Ian has had countless blood and platelet transfusions. He’s currently in maintenance, taking oral chemo every night and going in once a month for check-ups. He’ll complete treatment on April 30, 2026, but he’s been in remission as of May 2, 2024.
Because of the way, blood and platelet donation has impacted her family, Erica tells donors to remember:
“You may never see the people you help, but your donation makes a huge difference. It saved my life. It helped my son through chemo. It helped my husband walk again.
You can help a family stay whole. When you donate, you’re giving families like mine more time, more hope, and more tomorrows. ”
Team Ian: Turning Gratitude into Action
Erica’s cousin Ricky, a regular platelet donor, encouraged her to start a donation team for Ian so that friends and family who wanted to help could donate in his name. So, Erica created Team Ian, and the response has been overwhelming with over 400 donors, and some individuals giving more than 20 units over the last few years. City View Bible Church, the Hailes’ home church, has hosted two blood drives and collected 75 donations in Team Ian’s honor.
“Team Ian is making a huge impact on the community and helping so many people in need of blood products,” stated Erica.
“It’s amazing to know that my son inspired all of this—and that there are so many people who love him, love us, and want to make a difference.”
A Family Saved by Blood Donation
Three out of four members of the Hailes family have been saved or helped by We Are Blood donors. In a final note of gratitude, Erica shared, “To all the donors who give blood, platelets, and plasma: thank you.”