Give Blood, Give Life:
Health Story

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, June 4 and September 24, 2006
Show 315

Jessy Klein, only 11 years old, was hit by a bus and bleeding to death. Five million Americans need blood transfusions. Blood donor Sherry Dobson says, "It's something I can give to my community." Steve Zajac, another donor, says, "There's always a shortage of blood." Dr. Thomas Soto tells us," We gave Jessy 101 units of blood from 101 separate donors, 50 units in the first 24 hours." Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days. Jackie Fredrick, president of the Blood Center of Wisconsin, says, "Only 5 percent of eligible people donate." "It's the small cases that add up," notes Dr. Christopher D. Hillyer of the American Association of Blood Banks. "Donors saved my life," says a thankful Jessy.