Linda Phillips Thune became an advocate for blood donation because of encouragement from her daughter Annie. Over 15 years ago, Annie signed up to be a blood donor as well as an organ, eye, and tissue donor. She encouraged her family to do the same.
Not long after that, Annie passed away, and her corneas were donated to two separate individuals, providing those recipients with a second chance at vision clarity. Reflecting on this gift of sight, Linda says, “I think she would have liked that.”
Knowledge that her daughter’s legacy continues through this donation has helped Linda in her grief. She describes the loss as “something that I thought I couldn’t survive.” Linda finds comfort knowing that part of Annie is out there.
The Ultimate Gift
Linda sees Annie’s donation as the ultimate gift of her own body. And that has inspired Linda to donate blood and plasma, helping others when they need it most. She finds this is a living way to honor Annie’s own gift of life.
Linda’s perspective on blood donation grew when she experienced a complication during a routine medical screening, which required multiple blood transfusions. In that moment, Linda reflected on her past blood donations, “Wow, [blood] is here for me too. I’m not just giving for Annie now.”
“Anyone can need it at any time.”
With this added perspective on blood donation, Linda appreciates the incredible impact of donors in helping provide safe, transfusable blood products when the unexpected occurs. These donations help members of our central Texas communities, including our friends, neighbors, family members, and fellow donors. She reflects, “It’s something that you can do that is so small, but the impact is huge…It is truly lifesaving.”
Honor donors like Annie and Linda and schedule your next blood donation today.