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Red Cross teddy bears connect blood donors with recipient
Lab Technician Charlotte Icke gives a Red Cross teddy bear to Marilyn Kellogg. The teddy bear had a card with a personal message from the person who donated their blood to save Kellogg's life.
"It is very generous for someone to give a part of themselves so others can live," says Marilyn Kellogg, 81, of Boscobel.
Kellogg was one of the first patients at Boscobel Area Health Care to receive a teddy bear from the Red Cross with a personal message from a blood donor. The teddy bears were given to BAHC in honor of National Laboratory Week, recognized April 24-30th.
"Every person who receives blood this week will get a teddy bear with a personal message from the blood donor," says Lab Manager Judy Dayton. "Its inspiring to see the intent of the donor, matched with the gratefulness of the patient. It's a heart-warming cycle."
Kellogg says she has needed blood five times in the past 40 years, and is appreciative every time. "It is so important. When people give blood, it saves lives."
Blood transfusions are one of many services provided by the lab at Boscobel Area Health Care. The lab tests performed are instrumental to the day to day operations of the hospital and clinic. "It is estimated that 90% of diagnosis made by doctors are dependant on lab results," says Dayton.