Sheriffâs Deputy Lydia Saunders is alive today because of the generosity of five strangers.
Five pints of blood saved Saundersâ life when she suffered a medical emergency in 2015.
âWithout the people who gave blood, I would not be here,â Saunders said.
Her first-hand experience led Saunders to encourage fellow employees at the Rutherford County Sheriffâs Office to give blood during the countywide âBattle of the Badgesâ bloodmobile conducted by the Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross.
The bloodmobiles will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, May 3 at the Smyrna Event Center and at La Vergne City Hall and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 8 at Patterson Park Community Center and the Sheriffâs Office in Murfreesboro.
People may register the following representatives to give blood at the sites:
· Shirley Key [email protected] at Smyrna Event Center.
· Sheree Robertson at [email protected] at La Vergne City Hall.
· Ashley McDonald at [email protected] at Patterson Park Community Center.
· Lisa Marchesoni at [email protected] at the Sheriffâs Office.
When giving blood, the donor may decide if they want blood given to the police or fire/paramedics team. All donors will receive a T-shirt and a $5 Amazon eGift card.
Saunders started giving her O positive blood in high school.
âNever did I think I would need it myself,â Saunders said.
She encourages other people to give as well, especially people with O positive blood because their blood can be used by everyone. Many people refrain from giving because of a fear of needles.
âItâs a quick needle prick and itâs over in half a second,â Saunders explained. âThatâs half a second that could give somebody the rest of their life. At least try to give because you donât know who you can save.â
The American Red Cross is amazing for obtaining blood and distributing blood for people who need it to live, she said.
âIf I didnât have a transfusion, I wouldnât be here,â Saunders said. âI wouldnât have a chance to save someone elseâs life. I wouldnât have a chance to impact othersâ lives. Itâs like a revolving door of help.â