SAN ANTONIO — The U.S. is experiencing a national blood shortage – the worst in more than a decade – according to the American Red Cross. This means doctors might have to delay blood transfusions or surgeries if there isn’t enough blood.
Four years ago, Lucy Gale Walsworth’s life was saved by two blood transfusions. It all began when Gale Walsworth wasn’t feeling well and decided to visit her OBGYN. Tests revealed that her iron levels were significantly lower than normal – so much so that her doctor was surprised she was alive. She checked herself into the hospital to receive a blood transfusion, and she scheduled a surgery to fix the issue.
“The orders were to keep giving me blood, because I was going to have surgery the next morning," she said. “It kept going and going, bag after bag after bag."
When the surgery date came around, the doctor took her blood again. Her iron levels were so low that it wasn’t safe to operate. She received her second blood transfusion in 30 days.
“Those folks who donated blood, that helped me. I cannot thank these angels enough for what they did,” she said.
After her surgery, everything was resolved. But it was the blood that really saved her life. She can't thank the people who donated blood enough.
“They gave me really the gift of life," she said.
Gale Walsworth worked for the American Red Cross in San Antonio 10 years ago. At the time of her blood transfusion, she wasn’t working at the organization. But she came back in 2021 because she believes in the organization’s mission.
She says the backbone of the organization is the volunteers who work around the clock and during the holidays – and those who donate blood.
In the four years since her blood transfusions and surgery, Gale Walsworth's life has fallen into place.
“I didn’t miss out on meeting the love of my life. I didn’t miss out on my wedding. I didn’t miss out on the beautiful new home that we’ve purchased. I didn’t miss out on joining and being part of the Red Cross team," she said.
Gale Walsworth works alongside Anjuli (A.J.) Renold, the executive director for ARC the serving Central and South Texas. She joined the team a little over two years ago.
After settling into her position, Renold learned that ARC collects 40% of the nation's blood. And, only 3 percent of the population contributes to this supply. That's when she stepped up herself.
"I decided to see what it was like myself and start donating blood, so we could make sure we are providing a quality experience for those who come in to contribute their own blood to this organization, and to make sure that the volunteers that we work with and the processes go smoothly," she said.
She'd donated once in college but fainted (which she notes is rare) and hadn't done it since. Now, she gives blood every eight weeks. She said the whole process only takes about 30 minutes.
“The more I learned about how blood is used in all kinds of ways by hospitals to treat patients all over the nation, it’s the easiest way I can give back," Renold said.
Renold is helping people like Walsworth, whose lives can only be saved with the gift of blood.
Even though there’s a national blood shortage right now, Gale Walsworth says there’s always a need. She references her story to point out that, you never know when you, a friend, or a family member might need blood.
If you’d like to donate yourself, book an appointment here.