Multiple myeloma survivor hosts blood drive after platelet shortage
By Ava Rash
Click here for updates on this story
JEFFERSON HILLS, Pa. (WTAE) — Rose Rose is a warrior. She has been battling multiple myeloma since August 2024.
“I’ve needed approximately 40 blood and platelets transfusions. A couple of times, I was critically low, and that was super scary,” she said.
Recently, her platelet levels dropped, and the hospital did not have enough available for her.
“I had to wait a day to get that so they could find a donor match. That’s when it’s very scary, knowing that your life is depending on those donors, and if they don’t have a match or don’t have enough donations, then the outcome isn’t what you want,” she said.
This experience motivated her to give back. She hosted a blood drive Thursday at Gill Hall Volunteer Fire Company to help others in need.
“I haven’t needed any transfusions since Thanksgiving, so I am doing much better. I’m super, super thankful, and just want to help raise awareness for others like me and help put a face to who the donors are helping,” she said.
Now on an upward path in her cancer journey, Rose is focused on encouraging as many donors as possible to contribute.
“In your lifetime, I can guarantee you that someone you’re connected to — whether it’s yourself, family member, friend, co-worker — will need a donation, and blood donations save lives,” she said.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.