Rooted In Culture And Service: How One Red Cross Employee Went From Advocate To Patient

(NAPSI)­—For Alexis González, regional communications manager for the American Red Cross, her job gives her the opportunity to serve and work alongside her community every day.

“My work wouldn’t be possible without the support and trust of the people I serve, especially the Latino community,” she says.

“I am the daughter of Mexican parents and was born in Los Angeles. I grew up in a Hispanic community, speaking both Spanish and English and experiencing firsthand what it means to be Latina in the United States. That’s why it’s important to me that people know we are here for everyone,” Alexis says. 

From Donor Advocate To Patient

Last year, Alexis, who spends much of her time raising awareness about the importance of blood donation and is herself a regular donor, faced a medical emergency that required an emergency blood transfusion.

“I was experiencing severe stomach pain. I couldn’t even sit down and was curled up in a fetal position,” Alexis recalls.

“My doctors told me I had three blood clots in the veins connected to my liver, severe anemia, and that I would need two units of blood.

I had never been hospitalized before. I felt overwhelmed and scared. That’s when it hit me that every day, I encourage people to donate blood, and I donate every 56 days myself. But now I was experiencing it from the other side firsthand.”

“Before receiving the blood, I felt awful. I was dizzy and extremely weak. After the transfusion, the color came back to my face, and I no longer felt that weak.”

During her recovery, Alexis told her nurse that she worked for the Red Cross and asked if there was any way to find out where the blood had come from. Two remarkable connections emerged: the nurse’s son was a Red Cross volunteer whom Alexis had met during a training session just two weeks earlier, and the blood she received had been supplied by the American Red Cross.

“I felt like everything had come full circle. I realized that the work I had done with the Red Cross had impacted me personally, and I can now say from experience that every donation truly reaches someone who needs it.

The two units of blood I received came from two people who took the time to donate, and those donations saved my life.

I know many people in the Latino community are hesitant to donate blood. But I can tell them that their blood is their superpower. By donating blood, they have the power to give life to someone else,” Alexis says. 

Back In The Donor Chair

A few weeks ago, fully recovered, Alexis returned to donate blood and reached an important milestone: her first gallon donated.

“I feel proud and honored to be able to help someone in need, because we need each other.” 

This Hispanic Heritage Month, the Red Cross thanks the more than 195,000 Latino blood donors who gave blood last year. Their generosity helped save lives and strengthen communities across the country. To support our lifesaving mission, schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or visit RedCrossBlood.org to find a donation center near you.

Make your appointment today to donate blood, platelets, or AB Elite plasma. As a special thank you, donors will receive a $15 e-gift card to the merchant of their choice.

Word Count: 545

 "“I tell people that their blood is their superpower and that by donating blood, they have the power to share life with someone else,” says Alexis Gonzalez, Red Cross Regional Communication Manager."