Jackie Corson
As a medical technologist, Jackie Corson has distributed blood products at Minnewaska District Hospital in Starbuck, Minnesota for 33 years. Never during all those years did she think that she would need an emergency blood transfusion. But in November 2000, that is exactly what happened.
Jackie had always experienced good health, but was scheduled for a routine vaginal hysterectomy. The surgery went well and she was returned to her hospital room in Alexandria.
All of a sudden her blood pressure and hemoglobin dropped dramatically. For unknown reasons Corson was bleeding internally into her abdomen, so she was immediately taken into surgery to stop the bleeding.
"At that moment I knew I didn't have a choice. I knew exactly what was going on. But I wasn't afraid of the surgery or the blood products. Of course the safety of the blood crosses your mind, but I have a lot of faith in the medical field, all the people I know and the safety of the blood," said Jackie. "I just knew I was going to be fine."
Jackie needed three units of blood during her second surgery of the day. She recovered quickly and is doing well.
"I have even more appreciation for the blood system after being a recipient. It's like the old saying that once you have walked in someone else's shoes you appreciate it so much more. That's what it's like for me now," said Jackie.
She continues to work with Red Cross Blood Services to make sure that hospital patients receive the blood products they need. And, in addition to her long history of working with the Red Cross through her job, Jackie has also been a blood donor for years. She has given more than 5 gallons of blood. She also encourages her family and friends to give.
"I've always had respect for blood donors because of my work," Jackie said. "Now, I have more."