HRCadmin posted on September 26, 2011 18:16
The Story of Rosalyn Grady, a Rare Donor
Prior to October 2002, Rosalyn Grady was a typical, healthy woman. Suddenly, she was hospitalized for uncontrollable chills. Further evaluation revealed Rosalyn’s body had a life-threatening anemia. The treatment was multiple blood transfusions.
“I received several units of blood. I was thankful that it was there when I needed it,” recalls Rosalyn.
Rosalyn was touched deeply by receiving the gift of life from a stranger willing to donate blood and she dreamed of one day blessing someone else’s life with her own gift of blood. For three years she fought her low iron levels. “I was deferred from giving blood 10 times or more.” However, in October 2005 Rosalyn’s iron level was high enough to donate and she has been a regular donor since.
Upon donating, Rosalyn was identified as a rare donor and told only 1 in 1,000 or more people in the world have blood lacking the same antigens as hers. Her blood also contained seven special rare antigens. Every time she donates her blood is labeled and possibly frozen for years in anticipation of the rare recipient who will need her blood.
Not only is Rosalyn a blood recipient and blood donor, but she is an active recruiter for new donors, especially within her church community. “I encourage people to give all they can, for as many people as they can, as often as they can. We are blessed to be a blessing to someone els