Blood donation: Erin’s personal journey of love and life

Becoming a blood donor often stems from a heartfelt connection, and for Dyersburg resident Erin Frazier, it was her sister’s battle with illness that ignited this altruistic journey. She shared, ”I became a blood donor after the LIFELINE team visited our office, Carousel Realty, and proposed hosting a blood drive. My sister had been hospitalized for over a year by then, so we decided to hold a blood drive in her honor.”

Her sister’s life was sustained by numerous units of donated blood, an experience that deeply moved them. “I felt that if others could selflessly help strangers, I should do the same for someone else’s sister, just as they did for mine,“ Erin explained.

If you are considering becoming a first-time donor, Erin described the straightforward and relaxing process. “It’s pretty simple. After registration, you will have a mini-physical where your temperature, blood pressure, hemoglobin level and pulse are checked. Next, you will then complete a medical questionnaire. Once you move into the donor chair, you will relax on average for about 10 minutes while donating your lifesaving unit of blood. I have nearly dozed off in the chair. The staff is truly amazing and keep you comfortable.”

Expanding on her bond with her sister, Erin recounted Lauren’s challenging journey, which included a heart transplant and chest reconstruction. “During her time in the hospital, I witnessed countless transfusions all of which came from generous, unknown donors,” she shared. Each transfusion symbolized a stranger’s selflessness, extending Erin’s sister’s time to talk, smile, and just be herself.

Sadly, Erin’s sister Lauren passed away in April due to lung complications. Yet, the legacy of those donations leaves a huge impact. “When you give blood, you’re saving a life. You are adding to the quality of life for someone’s sister, mother, a loved one, or the world of someone who cherishes them,” she emphasized. “The main reason why someone doesn’t give blood is because they weren’t asked. Consider this my ask; please donate and give the gift of life!”

Covering 21 counties in West Tennessee, LIFELINE serves 18 hospitals, 14 emergency helicopter service locations, and 1 ground ambulance service. Annually, the center collects around 26,000 essential blood products to meet the needs of our local patients. We encourage you donate at LIFELINE Blood Services located at 1130 HWY 51 Bypass, Suites 19 and 20. For more information, please visit www.Lifelinebloodserv.org.