new beginnings...6 on saving lives winter 2019 meet marissa li, m.d. mobile therapeutic apheresis...

On

Saving LivesWinter 2019

Newbeginnings

2 On Saving Lives Winter 2019

Steve's message

Becoming Vitalant!STEVE FERRAIUOLOVitalantPresident, West Division

It’s been quite a whirlwind this fall as BloodSource, Blood Centers of the Pacific, United Blood Services and seven other Blood Systems blood centers, along with our research institute and laboratories, came together under one name, Vitalant. Vitalant (pronounced Vye-TAL-ent) is a creative and imaginative word reflecting the best within us: vitality and life. It speaks to a unique and remarkable life-transforming potential present in all of us.

During times of change, I’ve noticed that it’s easy to focus on what’s different: a name, a logo or a website are examples. But what if we focused on the most important things that have not changed? Namely, your ability to touch lives in deep and meaningful ways; our deep-rooted commitment to community; friendly and professional people who strive to provide the best experiences possible and often feel like family. This foundation has not changed.

I’ve spoken to quite a few donors, blood drive coordinators, volunteers, hospital customers and community supporters about our changes. The reactions have been what you might expect: excited, disappointed, confused, cautiously optimistic, hopeful−the whole gamut! It’s been a great opportunity for me to check in with others about change, share stories, and discuss ideas on building our future together.

What I’ve learned is that what means the most to you also

means the most to us: ensuring patients receive blood components from donors who care enough to show up and give what cannot be artificially created; creating opportunities to impact future lives for good;

appreciating those who step out of their lives in order to let

others live theirs; trusting the people who collect and test that

gift to keep safety at the top of their priorities; helping those who extend their arms deliver awe-inspiring power to change the course of a stranger’s life.

In today’s ever-present reality of disasters and tragic situations, we have a clear call to action. In this issue of On Saving Lives, you will see that we continue to be your familiar local blood donation center and much more. Together, as Vitalant, we are trusted stewards of a blood supply making way for life to happen, close to home and across the nation.

Thank you for your support of our life-transforming mission. I am honored to be on this journey with you. ~Steve

"Everyonehas within themlife-transforming

potential."-Steve Ferraiuolo

Winter 2019 On Saving Lives 3

In this issue...

Editor/WriterVicki [email protected]

Contributors:Kevin AdlerJessica BaileySergio CoppaKent CorleyErin FryeMartha GoodwinNicole JoKendra Kelly-ScheibElaine RockAlexander SiguaMeredith SpencerSteven WhartonAlma Webb

EditorialClair DavyErin FryeTrish GraceAngel Pillet

Layout/DesignKaren Gargiulokgcreatescommunications.com

Photo Credits:Cover photo: Alyssa Hernandez

On Saving Lives is published two times a year and is available online at vitalant.org on Bay Area, Central Coast, Northern California and Northern Nevada pages. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

8 Volunteers

19 Stories ofGratitude

14 Vitalant Map

24 CommunityPartners

18 Coordinators

25 Marrow

4

DONORS

16

LAB

6

MEDICAL

20

VITALANT RESEARCH INSTITUTE

10

FEATURE

22

HIGH SCHOOL


Debbie Anderson believes wholeheartedly in giving back! Sometimes that means overcoming fear and, in Debbie’s case, a crippling panic attack about needles. It was love for her daughter that changed her tune and inspired her to act.

Debbie’s high-school aged daughter, Claudia, volunteered to host a blood drive. As Debbie reports it, “I was proud that my daughter had taken this on until she phoned me from the blood drive, upset about the lack of donors, and begged me to donate. I was terrified!”

The moment of truth had come. As a woman in

her mid-forties who had experienced childbirth four times, Debbie convinced herself this fear needed to be ejected from her life. With her daughter’s plea echoing in her ears, she rolled up her sleeve and gave. And then she did it again. Repeatedly.

Claudia can take at least partial credit for inspiring Debbie to set a bucket list goal of 100 donations−she’s now at 60. Debbie has donated in many states, but her favorite center is in Reno, NV, where everyone knows her. Recently, someone she loves needed two blood transfusions, affirming her decision to regularly donate.

Blood donors share reasons for givingWith less than 10 percent of eligible donors giving blood, the needs of many rest on the shoulders of a generous few. What drives people to begin a new habit or sustain a long-lived one? We asked!

Donating blood saves people’s lives, but it probably has saved my life too−by helping me overcome my personal battles. In hard times, I remember that I live my life not just for me, but for others as well. The healthy habits I need in place to donate blood allow me to help others. That’s a person I want to be. Donating regularly keeps me on track. Because of their genuine compassion, the great people at the blood donation center in Elk Grove, CA, play a huge part in my life. I love them for that. Hearing about whom we help keeps up the drive and determination people need.

Debbie Anderson

“After I donate, I walk a little lighter, stand a little taller and know that life is good.”

Kenneth Johnson

“Making the effort to help people in need will help with your own personal growth.”


“I want my kids to know how good it feels to give back and help others.”~Michael White III

Most people take it easy on their birthdays, but Bay Area donor Michael White III celebrates his birthday giving to others. In 2018, with his 3-year-old son Michael IV in tow, Michael gave blood with family and friends, then fed over 50 homeless people, and later visited a hospital where his son proudly distributed gifts given by friends and family to honor a birthday tradition.

When young Michael gave a hospitalized teenager a checkerboard, she smiled for the first time in months. “This cheered up everyone!” says (dad) Michael. “Something as simple as a checkerboard changed lives that day. I want my kids to know how good it feels to give back and help others. Even a 3-year-old can understand and enjoy this!”

Michael is already planning for his 2019 birthday. He envisions a family picnic gathering with a bloodmobile, games and a bounce house for the kids before heading out to help with meals and deliver gifts.

Michael encourages others to donate blood. “I was an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for 18 years and know blood is needed. I’m one resource in a bunch of resources that come together to help people. We can help others together.”

Family education~submitted by Steven Wharton

Our family picnic three years ago saved lives. Now that’s a great opening line for a novel that I’m sure has you spellbound. I know you’re thinking that one of us must have been choking and we performed the Heimlich maneuver, or someone suffered a heart attack, so we administered CPR. Fortunately, neither of those medical emergencies occurred. Instead, something quite simple, yet with a profound impact, happened. I learned my cousin was an amazing blood donor−over 25 gallons−and he inspired me to try. I was a little uneasy at first and not quite sure what to expect, but donor care specialists Diamond and Ruth quickly set my mind at ease with their caring professionalism, smiles and abounding laughter.

Now that I’ve donated over a gallon, I believe we donors are the best advocates to recruit new donors. I’ve told my family, friends, co-workers and just about anyone who would listen about giving blood−you’ll feel like a superhero afterward! It’s a wonderful lesson to pass on to your children. Make giving blood a family tradition.

Diamond Phillips, Steve Wharton, Ruth Richardson

"I believe we donors are the best advocates to recruit new donors."

Michael (in the red shirt) makes a birthday donation.


Meet Marissa Li, M.D.Mobile therapeutic apheresis delivers innovation

Marissa Li, M.D., has been a blood center physician for seven years, working primarily in Nevada and California. She sat down to share her thoughts with us about what it’s like to be a blood center physician−a career and calling with daily challenges, creative problem-solving, and meaningful interactions. No day is the same!

Marissa Li, M.D.Vitalant, Medical Director

What are the favorite parts of your job?

Tell us more about that.

What have been the biggest changes since you first started work?

I enjoy clinical aspects of my work, especially therapeutic apheresis and consulting with hospital physicians.

At Vitalant in Las Vegas, we have an active mobile therapeutic apheresis program with a team of specialized nurses on call 24/7 to help hospitals with specific patient needs. Our blood donors are familiar with apheresis, the process involved with giving platelets, plasma or red blood cells. Therapeutic apheresis is a medical treatment based on the same principle as donor apheresis. Here however, after separating the various components of the blood, we then selectively remove cells or other targeted abnormal substances and replenish the patient’s fluid volume loss with albumin or plasma. Therapeutic apheresis is used for the treatment of many complex medical conditions in which there’s something

in a person’s blood that causes illness, such as harmful antibodies, abnormally shaped red blood cells (sickle cell disease) or even parasites (babesiosis). It may help a leukemia patient with soaring white blood cell counts who is on the brink of developing a stroke or cardiac issue by removing excessive white blood cells.

With regard to consulting, there are always patients who require detective work and complex decision-making. These patients have special needs related to blood transfusions. My challenge is to offer physicians solutions or options related to specialty blood products, helping patients and minimizing potential adverse consequences.

Mergers have changed the landscape of the blood industry across the country, requiring education and communication to inform all stakeholders as to details like name changes, process changes and more. The heart of our most important work hasn’t changed in terms of our commitment to patients and providing

our expertise to physicians, hospital transfusion teams, donors and patients.

With regard to medical advances, Pathogen Reduction Technology (PRT) is becoming more of a reality every year. Iron mitigation is still a hot topic in some areas, but Vitalant has been

Can you share any pivotal career experiences that remind you of the importance of what we do?

Do you have any thoughts on our new brand and the benefits it will provide?

What do you like to do when you are not at work?

doing ferritin testing for quite a few years, which has decreased the number of questions I receive about deferrals related to iron. As we integrate new Vitalant centers that are

beginning to implement ferritin testing, our broad experience is helpful for both staff and donors. We have physicians deeply involved in iron-related studies and assessing donor health.

Las Vegas, NV, mobile apheresis team members: Mae Uy, Mindi Johnson,

Joanna Tolentino, Kimberly Tischer, Mary Jane Celis, Jenny Hansen


I’m reminded every day of the importance of what we do! I remember one patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) who had a significant impact on our service for four to five months. His blood type (AB) meant he could only safely receive AB plasma as part of his therapeutic apheresis treatment. We

treated him almost daily for nearly five months, nearly depleting the local and systemwide AB plasma inventory. It took a lot of creative problem-solving and teamwork to ensure he was able to get those necessary treatments by using other specialty plasma products.

Our new name helps move us forward and change the way we−employees, donors, supporters of all kinds−think about who we are. We have moved from a smorgasbord of names to one strong name making us

more easily identifiable. As a physician, I help cover calls that come in from many areas, so from a reporting, logistics and records review perspective, the rebranding strategy was an absolutely necessary one!

I’m a foodie at heart, so I like to cook and find amazing restaurants! Anyone who knows me also knows I love fashion, so, naturally, shopping is like a sport to me because it’s fun!


Volunteers inspiredto make a difference

Thank you to all our volunteers who help in countless ways!

Interested in volunteering at Vitalant? For Northern California, please email [email protected] or call 916-456-1500. For the Bay Area, please email Debbie: [email protected]. We do not currently have a volunteer program in the Central Coast or Northern Nevada regions.

The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves. (Helen Keller) ”

“

Pictured top to bottom, left to right: Chris Poff, Keith Lexion, Steve Moser,Esther Gajarian, Holly Moore, Gary Wheeler, Daniel Logan, Mark Mendenhall,

Sylvia Yee, Fatima Eissa, Pam Sherman, Diana Clay, Jeri Van Winkleand Nancy Fasula, Roberta Tosta, D’Ann Moseley, Ann Taniguchi


The journey as VITALANT has begun!In 2018, we embarked on a nationwide rebrand, bringing together over a dozen organizations, each with a rich history and legacy, under one name−Vitalant. With a national footprint in nearly 40 states, deep community roots, and specialized services, we are the thread that connects people and resources together to fuel progress in transfusion medicine. We are deeply committed to making a transformative difference in people’s lives. The benefits of operating as a system are emerging with every donation having the potential to go further and impact more lives. As we create a consistent, dependable experience across the nation, we bring the strength of that national presence to benefit all of us. How are we going to do this? TOGETHER.

THE JOURNEY TO THE FUTUREBEGINS WITH ALIGNMENT.

Our future unfolds in a multi-year, multiphase effort to align our centers across the nation. It’s a mammoth task! Alignment is a necessary part of creating an amazing future where geographic boundaries are erased to provide hope, survival and second chances. With alignment comes change, which is as much a part of our work together as red cells, platelets and plasma are a part of blood.

As part of Vitalant, we travel a path of discovery that is bigger than ourselves−it’s an extraordinary commitment to life. In any endeavor that cares for others struck by devastating circumstances, there is constant evolution due to process improvements,

supporter feedback, strict regulation, quality standardization, research findings and more. The last seven decades have brought continuous adjustments to blood donor policies and donor eligibility guidelines. Future decades will certainly bring the same as we continue to learn and grow. In this fast-paced world, change is a daily experience. Our individual actions contribute to remarkable outcomes otherwise not possible.

What does our work to establish Vitalant baseline standardization mean for blood donor eligibility in our region? For centers already fully integrated, donors will see less change than donors in

the Northern California region that covers 15 donation centers and nearly 1,800 mobile blood drives from Merced to the Oregon border. Here, integration and alignment efforts will lead to more expansive and more restrictive donor eligibility policies. We are dedicated to making these transitions as seamless as possible.

We are in the boat now, rowing together, celebrating moments and awesome destinations with you. All of us at Vitalant appreciate the patience and understanding of our generous donors, coordinators and customers as we move forward together, transforming the lives of patients here and around the nation.

New beginnings

If you ever want to see a bundle of sweet mischief, look no further than Noah Hernandez, pictured on the cover of this magazine. Noah, at four months old, was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare childhood disease affecting liver function because one or more of the bile ducts are abnormally narrow, blocked or absent. A liver transplant is needed in about three-quarters of those diagnosed. Alyssa and Reymon, Noah’s parents, learned that a medical procedure (Kasai) can often buy time for a little one to grow and become stronger before a transplant is needed. In Noah’s case, this didn’t work. His medical condition deteriorated and he needed blood transfusions, dialysis, and intubation to help him breathe. Everyone was worried about his survival. As doctors disagreed about the best plan of action for a very sick little boy, Alyssa and Reymon took an awe-inspiring leap of faith along with their warrior son in moving forward with transplant. Noah received part of a donated liver and, as he approaches two years old, is active, curious and fun-loving.

Noah Hernandez

What does it meanto be transformed?

Transformative experiences defy simple explanations, often leaving people speechless beyond the recognition that something fundamental has changed. It can happen in an instant or it can seep into your veins, your heart, your brain over a lifetime. Transformations can be inflicted−the rogue gene, the natural disaster. Transformations can be chosen or simply recognized. They can feel like an ending or a new beginning. Green sprouts peeking through landscape, barren and scarred. A butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. A reboot. Fresh start. Call it what you may, but transformation connects one with a greater idea, a greater purpose or a greater appreciation for what life offers. And then? We share our stories, transforming others.


“Someone else’s tragedy can become your miracle. We understand not only from Noah’s experience, but from other experiences in our families, that nothing is guaranteed and that you need to live life fully in the moment and be grateful for every day, for every experience.”~Reymon Hernandez, Noah's dad

Live with gratitude


“…I was thoroughly convinced that if I walked anywhere, I would die…I wasn’t scared of it, but I wanted my own body, with my own blood. I felt like so much had been put into me that I barely was me anymore. I didn’t want to be different, a mix of drugs, chemo, and a stranger’s blood. Finally, it [the IV line with blood] was within inches. It crept so slowly … at last it disappeared into my shirt, and into my chest. Gazillions of emotions tied up into a knot … before long, my emotions turned to thankfulness and hope…visible signs that it was working were beginning to

form. Colors were brighter…Breathing became easier…Slowly I could feel a tiny speck of strength returning to my limbs. Wow…

My punchy side emerged, and with my new blood working wonders, I grabbed my IV line and began to wrap it round my dome. Hooking it behind my ears, I saw others giggling at my blood headband. I was so happy. I was like a car after an oil change, running smoothly once again."

Pursue passions

Today, a healthy, shining Melinda shares, “Incredibly thankful to be able to move, dance, breathe and feel strength in my body each day—it is such a gift!” Melinda’s experiences have transformed her as a writer, childhood cancer survivor advocate and professional dancer.

Melinda Marchiano from California's Central Coast received blood while being treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma when she was a young teen. Here’s her description of being rushed to the hospital nearly unconscious for her first blood transfusion:

Grace: a child’s intimate journey through cancer and recovery. Marchiano, Melinda. Happy Quail, 2010.Shared with permission


Tiffany and Josh Dethmers from Northern Nevada looked forward to the birth of their second son with joy. After a routine ultrasound, a doctor appeared with grim news that their baby would likely either be stillborn or born with a very serious heart condition, potentially fatal. Neither Tiffany nor Josh could absorb that information−it was just too much. They decided to hold fast to their strong belief that no matter how it worked out, this baby was a blessing; God had a plan and they would figure it out as they went along. Diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia, Cody’s first open-heart surgery occurred before he was one week old. Tiffany and Josh agonized to see their fragile newborn fight for his life. But this is what Cody did over and over again. Before he turned seven, Cody endured four more open-heart surgeries, all requiring blood transfusions. Strangers would never know that this seemingly healthy young boy faces a seventh open-heart surgery in the upcoming year. Cody is fearless! His parents aptly describe him as a “happy boy gone wild” who loves to be outside, rock climb, and blaze trails on his dirt bike with his family alongside, keeping him safe.

Forge ahead fearlessly

Be a force for goodTyler Getz inspired his family with his catch phrase, “I got this,” as he faced tremendous hurdles in his young life: a diagnosis of severe aplastic anemia and a myriad of harsh treatments with life-threatening side effects that garnered him six months in the hospital at six years old. Tyler’s need for blood was constant: platelets, red cells and plasma. He received nearly 90 transfusions, more than 12 times what he has in his body. By the time Tyler returned home, he had lost thirty percent of his body weight, and due to his fragile immune system, was unable to return to school or normal activities. Although Tyler’s blood counts are stable, the only cure for aplastic anemia is a bone marrow transplant.

There are no matches as of yet for Tyler on the national marrow registry. Jaime, Tyler’s mom, organizes community drives, hoping to educate and encourage more people to join the marrow registry. Inspired by their son, the Getz family has created a foundation aptly named I Got This – G Force Foundation* with a mission to help other children facing critical illness and long hospitalizations. This family takes their hard experience, hoping to transform other lives as they move forward. Tyler is enjoying being back in school for second grade, engineering massive Lego projects, being outside and playing with friends whenever possible.

“Everyone has a story; those stories open you up and turn you inside out, allowing you to gravitate toward people in healthy and loving ways. They transform you.”

*https://igotthis-gforce.com/

Transformations and new beginnings are meant to be shared. An individual experience has a powerful collective impact on family and friends, donors and recipients, and communities and supporters, without regard for zip codes or boundaries. In the words of Richard Rohr, “Transformed people transform people.”


For those who have close encounters with death, transformations that involve a change in perspective may occur, as it did for Dawn Erler of Northern California. To Dawn, family is everything, now more than ever. As one after another of her loved ones dealt with health crises, Dawn has learned how important one person can be in the fabric of family.

“People can well imagine being struck by tragedy, but what they don’t realize is the devastating effect their potential absence could have on family, friends and community.”

Dawn believes shifting the focus from a ‘me’ perspective to a ‘my loved ones’ perspective makes all the difference in the world. She knows this because her family

has been summoned not just once, but twice to hear that she might not make it through harrowing medical situations. The first was an ATV accident and the second was a surgical mishap. Both times, Dawn woke after surgery to a sea of worried faces and medical paraphernalia leaving her unable to speak. She never wants to see her family like that again. Blood transfusions helped Dawn through both crises.

As she carries on a conversation, Dawn has three grandchildren in tow, answers a call from her daughter, and makes an appointment for her mom. Dawn's fresh perspective greets her when she looks in the mirror and sees not herself, but her beloved blended family−her life.

“Without those blood transfusions, my family faced life without me. I am so grateful to those who have kept us together.” ~ Dawn Erler

Enjoy a fresh perspective


VITALANT BLOOD COLLECTIONS


ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

Together, we are stronger.

With 127 blood donation centers across the nation and services in nearly 40 states, each donation with Vitalant has the potential to transform lives in different ways.


Learning new and different ways to help others is exciting. My individual efforts have greater impact today. Although I work in our Central Coast laboratory, I am part of a greater Vitalant team that benefits patients in other regions. ~Cheyenne Winn, Lab Technician

“”


PATHOGEN REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY (PRT)

Pathogen = bacterium, virus or other disease-causing microorganism

Every blood donation undergoes extensive infectious disease testing for safety reasons. Generally, it is a more reactive process in that scientists look for test results indicating the presence of a virus or microbe that can potentially cause harm to a patient. Some may sound familiar, like hepatitis or HIV, while some may not, like human T-cell lymphotropic virus types l and ll. PRT is more of a proactive process that inactivates viruses using ultraviolet light. Because we do not know what new viruses may be emerging, PRT may offer enhanced safety by eradicating those disease-causing pathogens before we are even able to test for them. Currently, PRT has limited usage, primarily for platelets, but physicians are already ordering, believing specific patients will benefit.

Laboratories offer new optionsto serve patient needsAs seen throughout the history of transfusion medicine, curiosity fuels ever-ongoing research and controlled studies related to blood and patient usage. It’s human nature to await new technologies and new products with hope, anticipation and excitement. The goal is always to provide the right blood component at the right time for the right patient for the right reason.

With access to national resources, Vitalant laboratories produce specific blood

Medical centers and physicians will drive the use, manufacturing and availability of specialty blood products because patients have different needs. Continuing to offer a broad and increasing menu of Vitalant blood components will help physicians deliver transformative patient care. New research studies and incremental changes will continue right alongside our pledge to help transform lives for patients and donors.

LIQUID PLASMA (LP)

Liquid plasma = plasma that has never been frozen

Liquid plasma (LP) can be used to support patients with life-threatening blood loss. “Hemorrhage is a leading cause of trauma-related death,” says

Jonathan Hughes, West Division Medical Director. “Some hospitals treating critical trauma patients

may prefer to use liquid plasma because it has a longer shelf life

than thawed plasma and, unlike frozen plasma, is immediately available to provide initial rapid support for massively bleeding patients. Additionally, liquid plasma may be used during pre-hospital transfusions on

helicopters or other emergency-transport vehicles with a goal

to help stop bleeding as early as possible after an injury and improve

patient outcomes.”

products to offer a growing smorgasbord of options for physicians treating specific patient populations, e.g., neonates, trauma, hematology-oncology. The process from idea to standard usage is meticulous and laborious. We wonder if the new idea will be the game-changer, but more often than not, changes in blood technologies are incremental and offer options to what already exists. So it has been with pathogen reduction technology (PRT) and the use of liquid plasma.

Coordinator choreography

Blood drive coordinators educate, connect, plan, schedule, troubleshoot and keep in close communication with their Vitalant donor recruitment representatives. They are choreographers of special events with life-changing results. Here are a few of our awesome coordinators!

Lori Young - GIVING IS LIVING For 18 years, Lori Young has been the linchpin for the Nevada Department of Transportation blood drives, which are held four times per year. “I am passionate about the blood drives because I am a proud mom of two daughters who are nurses. These blood donations help doctors and nurses save lives every day. Giving is living!”

Bobbie Merrigan – GROWING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONSBobbie Merrigan has been transforming lives since 2009 by coordinating blood drives with various business partners. She brings her passion and community-pull to a fantastic group of donors who are professionals that work in the building industry throughout Northern Nevada. Over the years, friendships have blossomed alongside impressive results−over 1,000 donations! Bobbie greets each donor by name, along with hugs and fantastic meals. Donors take time to enjoy camaraderie and charity. Bobbie notes, “People come here with a common goal to do something positive in our community. It’s rare that everyone can be like-minded toward a purpose, but here, everyone can feel good about what they are doing.”

Bobbie (second from right) with donor recruitment team members from left, Nicole Jo, Corry King, and Scott Edward.

Kate Goldfine – GOING A STEP FURTHERKate Goldfine coordinates blood drives for the City of Santa Rosa. She appreciates the commitment and personal connection of Vitalant staff to their work. "I have learned cool ways to better promote blood drives−by expanding social media use, partnering with local business, holding raffles and personally thanking each donor."

After recently meeting blood recipient Emily Peters, who needed over 30 transfusions

following the birth of her daughter, and learning that two friends needed blood, Kate (already a whole blood donor) decided to give platelet donation a try.

"Blood literally saves lives," shares Kate, "and because I have had trouble with dizziness and fatigue with prior donations, I was so happy to have no side effects with my platelet donation, so that's what I am donating now!"

Kate with Vitalant recruitment representatives Kim Walsh and Andrea Casson


Stories of gratitudeParents carry forward their experiences to help others


ALEXFamilies, and especially moms like Jeniene Cenoz, don’t forget how strangers provided the needed support for a future in doubt. Alex Cenoz had over two years of chemotherapy when diagnosed with leukemia as a child. His mom, Jeniene shares, “I have said over and over that blood donors saved Alex’s life. I remember he would go into the hospital pale and bruised and leave as a whole new kid. We will be forever grateful to blood donors.” Alex is now a healthy adult, enjoying life and work in Portland, OR.

Aleus Mosier was born with hereditary spherocytosis, a rare blood disorder affecting red blood cells, but it was poor kidney function that meant immediate surgery. After a routine follow-up, the two-month-old needed his first blood transfusion due to severely low hemoglobin levels. A month later, a pale, listless Aleus needed another. This second transfusion brought back the smiley, laughing, bubbly boy his parents and big brother loved to see. “You could tell he felt so much better,” reports his relieved mom, Liz. “He’s our Mr.

Giggles−he smiles and laughs all the time.”

Liz struggles with a needle phobia, but watching her son’s experience compelled her to try donating blood. “It wasn’t easy, but I kept telling myself that if my baby can go

through this, I can do it too. And I did!” Today, seven-month-old Aleus’ improving blood counts give his parents hope that spherocytosis will not impact his future activities. They are thrilled that hematology appointments and spherocytosis checks have been reduced to annual visits.

ALEUS

MICAH AND ZACHARYThree months premature, twins Micah and Zachary Canvasser spent their early months in neonatal intensive care. Micah developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal disease that mainly affects premature and medically fragile infants. NEC claims more than 500 infants each year.

The Canvasser boys received over 200 blood transfusions as they fought for their lives. Tragically, Micah went into renal failure and passed away from NEC complications a month shy of his first birthday.

“Blood transfusions gave us hope and our sons’ lives. We were able to take Micah home and have a ‘normal’ life together,” says their mom, Jennifer. “It is devastating that he did not make it, but we would not have had that cherished time with him without blood donors and their donations.”

Two years later, Jennifer founded the NEC Society*, a nonprofit dedicated to the understanding, prevention and treatment of NEC, which brings both the family perspective and an evidence-based clinical perspective. As a blood donation advocate, Jennifer knows Micah’s baby brother Elijah will know him through shared stories only possible because of the availability of blood.

*necsociety.org

Canvasser family with Zachary, Jennifer (holding photo of Micah) and Elijah

Alex and his mom Jeniene

“No one thinks something like this will happen to them. We didn’t think it would happen to us. Thankfully, people can be amazingly generous, giving of themselves, of their very own blood, so that our loved ones can live another day." ~Jennifer

The mission of the Vitalant Research Institute (VRI) is clearly inspiring: dedicated to advancing blood safety worldwide through scientific research, education and the promotion of evidence-based policies. The institute, from its inception, has been committed to the advanced training of new scientists in the areas of transfusion medicine, infectious disease, immunology and epidemiology. VRI is the leading program in the U.S. and perhaps the world with respect to transfusion-transmitted infectious disease (TTID) and is at the forefront of other areas related to transfusion medicine research.

RESEARCHAccording to Michael Busch, M.D., Ph.D., Director of VRI, “The research institute conducts a wide array of research with over 75 currently funded

studies, the most important of which relates to TTID, which demands that we be ready to investigate the next emerging infectious agent quickly to determine if it is a threat to blood safety.” VRI collaborates with a prestigious group of industry leaders, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Health Organization (WHO), and AABB, the global leader in standards development, accreditation and implementation of quality systems in transfusion medicine and cellular therapies. Some collaborative research projects are bundled under a heading such as the Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study (REDS); the Vitalant research team is an integral part of conceptualization, development of protocols, and operational delegation of integrative work, whether in the clinic, in the laboratory or in rigorous statistical analyses.


Vitalant Research Institute imagines the future

AWARDS

Congratulations to Michael Busch, M.D., Ph.D., who received two industry awards in 2018. Dr. Busch received the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Presidential Award, granted to those who have made eminent contributions to transfusion medicine (isbtweb.org), and the first annual International Plasma and Fractionation Association (IPFA) Award in recognition of his exceptional scientific contributions to the study and prevention of transfusion-transmitted infections. (More at ipfa.nl)

The relationship between VRI and blood centers involves the safety of the blood supply, which means identifying pathogens, figuring out if they actually cause disease, how to test for them and how to inactivate or destroy them. The blood donor pool is a critical resource providing both donor data and blood samples, whether there is an infectious disease or not.

He further explains that VRI, while involved in basic research, is more oriented toward translational research that addresses developing and applying technologies to aid in understanding and fixing problems.

LABORATORY SCIENCE Philip Norris, M.D., VRI Director of Laboratory Science, has worked at the institute since 2004 and is optimistic about the future. He notes the talents of innovative

researchers, saying, “Fluidity, flexibility, and curiosity are as much a part of VRI as are persistence, patience, rigor and an analytical nature.”

Transfusion medicine research can impact numerous health conditions/issues, e.g., cancer and HIV, that affect millions of people throughout the world. Evidence-based research findings gained through both Vitalant and collaborative projects impact U.S. and global blood banking policies and practices. The main focus at VRI is to keep making progress on what

is needed to improve the safety and efficacy of blood transfusion. The Vitalant research team uses basic and translational laboratory science to improve current blood products and develop novel therapies for the next generation.

BLOOD TECHNOLOGIESVitalant researchers, investigators, physicians and teams imagine a better world every day through their involvement in transformative blood technologies that, in turn, inspire our own imaginations. One such technology is the use of Cas9 enzymes along with CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats), which together forge a powerful technology used for editing genes. This could possibly correct gene defects and change the course of treatment and prevention of the spread of diseases. At VRI, the Cell Therapy Core, directed by Marcus Muench, Ph.D., has conducted research using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to create an approach for treating sickle cell disease (SCD). There are approximately 100,000 Americans living today with SCD, many of whom rely on chronic blood transfusion therapy their entire lives to fight excruciating pain and other side effects. Though the science is complicated and difficult to understand for those of us not involved in such research, our minds easily grasp hope for a world where a new treatment can change the course of lives. Vitalant researchers are leading the way.

For more information on Vitalant Research Institute, please visit www.research.vitalant.org


In a sense, VRI is the backbone of the blood safety commitment that we make to our patients and donors.~Michael Busch, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Vitalant Research Institute”

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IPFA meeting in Athens, Greece


Creating a future takes teamworkAdvisors and students drive success

High school students in the Bay Area, Northern California, the Central Coast and Northern Nevada work with their advisors to positively impact their communities. Organizing and participating in campus blood drives is one such way. From lunchtime tabling and creative postering, to classroom educational presentations and school media interviews, students are the front line for success.

Thomas Schroeder, Northern California Placer High School Advisor

Max, Kei, Kristen and Amaya from the Sacramento Adventist Academy blood drive team celebrate their win!

CHALLENGESHigh school challenges create friendly competition among area schools to claim bragging rights. Meredith Spencer, Vitalant Donor Recruitment Manager, notes that dedicated Placer High School blood drive advisor, Thomas Schroeder, encourages students to expand their perspective. Placer High consistently tops the challenge charts. “For 27 years, Thomas has worked with students not only in the classroom but also on the blood drive,” remarks Meredith. “Passionate about including community service as a critical piece of a high school experience, Thomas serves by example, having donated blood over 100 times!”

Teaching Biology and Anatomy & Physiology makes Thomas a natural fit as a blood drive advisor and collaborator with other leadership efforts at the school. Thomas enjoys helping students recognize how they can positively impact the world in unique and powerful ways.

ADVISORSNicole Jo, Vitalant Sr. Donor Recruitment Representative, credits Churchill High School blood drive advisor and coordinator Elaine Adams with achieving an amazing 65 percent participation rate from eligible junior/senior students. With just 600 students eligible, the school has collected 324 blood components at three blood drives.

“Elaine’s passion is evident. From the classroom to the blood drive, she has a gift for getting through to students,” shares Nicole. “As the HOSA-Future Health Professionals advisor, she helps students find a path to careers in health care. With the blood drive, Elaine gives students exposure to the world of blood transfusions as she also prepares them to be good future leaders in their industry, working to help heal people."

High school blood drive advisor Elaine Adams with Nicole Jo, Sr. Donor Recruitment Representative

Posters like this encourage students to think deliberately about their actions.

“An easy, butsignificant, way wecan feel the satisfactionof being able to helpis by donating blood. We can make a difference.” ~Andrea Garcia

FUTURE LEADERSDeveloping future leaders is a goal of high school education. Through sports, clubs, academics and more, students develop skills that prepare them for the future. Perhaps one of the most critical lessons involved with blood drives relates to the many different groups that learn to work together in order to achieve a magnificent goal, one that is not possible to achieve working alone.

Kim Walsh, Bay Area Donor Recruitment Representative, works with students like Andrea Garcia (pictured above), a senior at Middletown High School and blood drive coordinator.

GRANTSThe Vitalant high school grant program awards financial grants to schools that have won respective blood drive challenges (categorized by tiers related to enrollment numbers), which the schools then decide how to distribute, whether to blood drive committee members for their continuing education (scholarships), to provide department rewards, or for general program needs.

Steve Pignataro, Vitalant Bay Area Donor Recruitment Representative, observes, “Creating a program that allows students to have experience in organizing and publicizing an event that’s geared to saving lives creates life-changing, educational moments that stay with them forever.”

Vitalant staff are proud−and grateful−to partner with high school staff and students who provide for a critical public health need. Providing grants is just one way to show our appreciation. The deepest gratitude comes from patients who benefit from unknown students sharing something vital within themselves that changes the world for others.

I am always inspired by just how much students care and their relentless efforts to make their blood drives successful,” reports Ian. “I know our future is in good hands with them at the helm.

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Donor recruitment professionals like Ian Finch, from Northern California, work side by side with high school advisors and blood drive committees to guide students, many of whom may not even be eligible to donate blood themselves. The students of today will be the backbone of a safe and available blood supply in the future. (Be nice to them as they learn the ropes of life!)



Vitalant connects with community partners touplift othersBy partnering with community nonprofits, Vitalant can expand the transformative impact that is already part of blood donation. Together, we are stronger.

Maya - Disneyland®

Ashley - Paris

Vitalant partners with local Make-A-Wish® chapters to

help grant wishes to children with critical illnesses. In our region, we partner with three Make-A-Wish chapters: Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada; Greater Bay Area; and Tri-Counties (Central Coast). We share a common thread in providing young patients with hope, happiness and a new life. Children battling life-

threatening illnesses often rely on blood components−red blood cells, platelets and plasma−to get them back to

health. Blood donors support the effort to make wishes come true by donating blood and applying loyalty rewards/points.

INSPIRE. CONNECT. ACT.Donating blood exemplifies the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. For more than 60 years, Rotarians have teamed up with family, friends and coworkers to ensure a safe and plentiful blood supply for our communities. During the District 5180 Rotary Blood Drive Challenge, local Rotary chapters in Northern California participate in a good-natured, awe-inspiring competition to change the world for others. Our nonprofit organizations−working together−add up to a world of good.

Cameron - Disney® Resort - Hawaii

HOLGER AND ALICIA

To hear Holger Spengler tell it, the experience of meeting the woman he saved with his marrow donation changed his life as well as hers. “Until this moment, I felt as if I were calm in every situation, like when I was in the army or when my daughters were born. With the first hug, it was like meeting an old and very special friend after a long time. It was unique, incredible and fantastic.”

Holger had 'met' Alicia Alley five years previously when Holger’s donated blood stem cells gave new life to Alicia. Alicia had been searching for a marrow match since being diagnosed in 2008 with a rare disease called paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), for which the only cure is a marrow transplant. Sustained by gifts of blood components while awaiting a marrow match and approval from her insurer for a transplant, Alicia lived with gratitude and hope. Over the years, her need for blood transfusions grew more frequent−to an almost daily need prior to transplant.

As Alicia waited, Holger was contacted. “It was clear that this was a matter of overwhelming need for a young woman with a rare disease,” shares Holger, married and father of three young daughters. “I knew that I would want someone to do the same for me or for my family.”

“I want to thank all the blood and marrow donors who have given so much to save so many lives,” says Alicia. “It always amazes me that there are people out there who would give so much to someone they don’t even know.”

Alicia, now a dialysis coordinator and working toward a psychology degree, was thrilled to meet Holger in person at a recent picnic hosted by Sutter Health for patients in their transplant program. “If I thanked him every day for the rest of my life, it wouldn’t be enough.”

JOIN THEMARROW REGISTRY! Give hope to thousandsof patients who searchfor a match.

The new process to join Be The Match, the national bone marrow registry, is easier than ever. If you’re between the ages of 18-44, simply use your cell phone to text CURE63 to the abbreviated phone number 61474 and press send. You will receive a text reply that will direct you to the Be The Match website where you enter your first name, last name, and email address, and answer a security question. You will then go to your email (where an email from Be The Match will be waiting) to complete the registration process, which takes about five minutes. A swab kit will be mailed to you. Follow the instructions to swab the inside of your cheeks and return the swab kit in the postage-paid envelope.

Want to learn more? Contact Elaine Rock at 916-453-3792 (Vitalant)or visit bethematch.org

Transform a life, including your own


Alicia meets her marrow match, Holg

er


Sierra Donor Services

Sierra Donor Services, a nonprofit, federally designated organ, eye and tissue transplant donor network, serves nearly four million people in Northern California and Nevada. One organ donor can save up to eight lives. Every 10 minutes, another name is added to the waiting list, now at ~118,000 patients. Patients like Noah−featured on the front cover of this magazine−are granted new life through the generosity of organ donors. To learn more and/or register as an organ donor, visit donatelife.net, registerme.org, or sierradonor.org.

ENDNOTES

Blood Donation Hall of Fame

James and Peter Cole were recently inducted into the Blood Donation Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held at the Vitalant donation center in Folsom, CA, and included Fresenius Kabi representative Carolyn Brown doing the honors. Friends, family, volunteers, donors and other Vitalant staff were on hand to congratulate the Coles for this honor. Chosen from over a hundred nominees, the father-son duo were recognized for their combined total of an amazing 2,400 donations (primarily plasma) and for their volunteerism! James recently retired from Intel, which supports employee volunteerism efforts with contributions to community nonprofits, including Vitalant.

Unsung Hero Award

Jeanie Coppola (left) and Alexandra Karritti (with son, Bobby) received Unsung Hero Awards from California State Senator Richard Pan, M.D., for their volunteer efforts to educate and support the community of Elk Grove, CA.


MyBloodSource RewardsVitalant Northern California(formerly BloodSource)my.bloodsource.org Hero RewardsVitalant Bay Area(formerly Blood Centers of the Pacific)bloodheroes.com Hero RewardsVitalant Northern Nevada and Central Coast(formerly United Blood Services)bloodhero.com (Northern Nevada)blood4life.org (Central Coast)

Earn Rewards

with every donation!

By giving a gift from within you, you can change the world

Our rewards programs have not yet integrated with our brand change to Vitalant. We anticipate that in thefuture we will have one rewards program connecting all Vitalant donors across the county. We will be sure to let you know of any upcoming changes to your current rewards programs. Visit us online at vitalant.org or by calling 877-25 VITAL (877-258-4825).

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