Lucy Newman: Beloved daughter, wife, and mother honored with a blood drive

Beloved daughter and wife, Lucy had just added the title of ‘mother’ on September 1^st of last year when she unexpectedly passed away ten days after giving birth to her beautiful baby girl, Daisy Madeline.

“It had been an ideal pregnancy all along until the end of August,” shared Lucy’s husband, Daniel. “Nothing prepared us for the turn of events and the diagnosis of a rare blood clotting pregnancy complication that impacts 1 out of 10,000 pregnant women — Lucy being that 1 in 10,000. Because the blood clotting issue was affecting the placenta and putting the baby in danger, Lucy underwent an emergency c-section and Daisy was born 6 weeks before her due date.”

Over the course of 6-7 days after delivering her baby, Lucy underwent emergency surgery twice.

“Lucy received over 70 units of blood and until she received the first unit, we didn’t realize the importance and impact of having lifesaving blood on hand. For 11 days, Lucy and her medical team fought hard to make her well and I kept seeing the units of blood coming to help her along. There was never a fear or doubt that blood would be available for her.”

Despite lifesaving measures, Lucy passed away on September 11, 2023, the very same day, the American Red Cross announced a blood shortage.

“The day Lucy passed away, a family friend informed us of the national blood shortage the Red Cross had announced that very same day. While I joke today that Lucy ‘must have used it all,’ I can’t fathom how it would have impacted us had at any point we’d been told that blood products were not available for Lucy.

The American Red Cross declared a national blood shortage on September 11, 2023, then again on January 8, 2024, citing a critically low blood supply level that dropped nearly 25% since early August 2023. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations can have a significant impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion.

“The idea of a blood drive in her honor was born from her labor and delivery nurse and it felt right to honor her memory this way. I lived through it – I experienced first-hand how critical to recovery receiving donated blood can be and the importance of having it available in case of emergency. Lucy was the love of my life and a bright light who left us too soon. She lived to the fullest and brought so much joy everywhere she went and with everyone she interacted with and I know that encouraging others to donate blood would be something she would want done. I had never donated blood, however, in her memory, I hope to be a recurring blood donor as my way to pay it forward so that others have a chance at recovery.”

With as many as 60,000 U.S. birthing parents each year affected by severe maternal morbidity, unexpected outcomes of labor or delivery that have serious short- or long-term health impacts, it is likely that either you or someone you know has required the blood of donors during pregnancy or delivery.

Daniel and Daisy

You can help expectant and new parents overcome unexpected challenges, offering them the chance for more joy with their newborn babies. All blood types are needed to ensure a robust blood supply is available when patients need it most. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to find a blood donation appointment near you.

Written by Connie Esparza, Communications Manager for the Illinois Red Cross

Ashley Ambeau: “Donated blood breathed life into me.”

Looking forward to meeting her baby, Ashley was not expecting the turn of events that forever impacted her life. After 40+ hours of intense labor, Ashley’s doctor determined it was time for a c-section. Ashley vaguely remembers the course of events surrounding her c-section but does recall the various feelings hitting her at the same time.

“I remember the emotional, overwhelming, exciting feelings when I finally got to see my son in recovery, but I also remember the sheer exhaustion and confusing feeling of not having the energy to move. Eight hours after my son was born, bloodwork determined that I had a low blood count and that blood transfusions might help my recovery. I simply can’t articulate how I felt after receiving two units of blood. Life was breathed into me – I felt ALIVE!”

There are several reasons why blood transfusions may be necessary during pregnancy and delivery — currently, up to 3% of all birthing parents receive blood transfusions postpartum. It’s in moments like these—where every second counts—that the generosity of blood donors becomes critically important. Click here to read more about the importance of blood transfusions during pregnancy and birth.

While being a blood donor was never top of mind, the birth of Ashley’s son has not only made her an advocate, but also given her a different perspective on the need for blood donors.

“I grew up watching my father loyally donate blood every chance he was able to as his way of giving back. We never imagined that I would be on the receiving end of needing donated blood and we simply can’t fathom what my recovery would have been had blood not been available. I am forever grateful to the donors who selflessly gave their blood so someone like me had it when it was most needed.”

Today, Ashley, along with fellow coworkers, are preparing for a company-wide blood drive.

“I am part of the employee engagement/recognition committee at work, and we recently were discussing ways to give back and impact our community as a group. I was overjoyed when the idea came up to host a company-wide blood drive. No one at work knows how donated blood impacted me and it’s endearing to hear how passionately the idea of hosting a blood drive was received. We are hosting our first-ever blood drive this summer and I’m excited to welcome my colleagues, share my story, and possibly hear theirs – not to mention help circumvent summer blood shortages.”

Unfortunately, as the weather gets warmer, many people turn their thoughts to summer vacation and all the fun that implies. The Red Cross typically sees blood supplies decrease during summer months as people leave for vacation yet, the need for blood does not take a break. With no substitute for blood donations, blood donors are the only source of blood supplies for those with sickle cell, victims of accidents, or parents experiencing difficult childbirth or postpartum recovery.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org to make an appointment to donate blood and help keep a steady blood supply.

Written by Connie Esparza, Communications Manager for the Red Cross of Illinois