Celeste Wade began donating blood at 17 years old. Her stepfather’s diabetes had led to his need for a kidney transplant. She knew that blood was going to be needed to get him through transplant and recovery, and that donating was one way she could help. She says of that time, “I’m going to high school, and I could make a difference. That was so satisfying.”
The Impact of Blood Donation and Organ Transplants
Years later, Wade would further feel the impact of blood donation when her godson, Joseph, was born with a rare chromosomal disorder. This diagnosis would require a liver transplant. And to have a chance of survival to transplant, Joseph would need 80 gallons of blood and platelets.
Friends and family showed support in many ways as Joseph waited for a liver transplant. They knew time was precious. Not only were they regularly donating blood and platelets, but they were also celebrating his birthday every single month. Every donation and every moment mattered.
“We’re all united. We all need each other. Whether you’re the one giving, whether you’re the one receiving, it’s one of the best things we can do for humanity.”
By the time he moved to the top of the transplant list, his care team was emphasizing, “We can’t guarantee one minute.”
Joseph received the liver transplant and more blood and platelet transfusions as he recovered. It took months for him to regain color in his skin. But eventually he was able to see and walk. Today, he is 21 and thriving in college.
“We got that miracle thanks to a lot of people. A lot of people who gave blood. A lot of people who gave platelets. A lot of people who gave time,” Wade reflects.
Schedule Your Next Appointment and Be Someone’s Miracle
Celeste has been donating blood and platelets since she was a teenager. She has seen firsthand the role blood and platelet donations play in the lead up to and the recovery from organ transplant. In this process, she has also seen the number of children and families waiting for a miracle. She says of blood donation, “Maybe you’re the person who’s the miracle for somebody else.”
Become someone’s miracle and schedule your next donation now or join Celeste as a platelet donor. Learn more about platelet donation and our exclusive platelet rewards programs.