Christine was diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) in 2006. ITP is a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for normal blood clotting.
She tracks her platelet count daily, because if it’s too low she runs the risk of hemorrhaging blood or even worse, having a stroke. Chemotherapy and steroids have been the treatments prescribed by her doctors, but neither are working as effectively as needed.
In April 2010, the treatments failed completely and she began hemorrhaging blood while out shopping. After being rushed to the hospital, doctors determined that her platelet count was below 1,000 and she was in danger of having a stroke. She received an emergency platelet transfusion, which saved her life.
Having been a blood donor and recipient and an employee at Children’s Mercy Hospital, Christine is constantly reminded of the importance of blood and blood component donations. She’s also a single mom to her beautiful 6 year old daughter, so being healthy is a requirement for filling that role as well.
Christine knew the platelets she received came from a donor at Community Blood Center. She is grateful to the individual who selflessly donated and encourages others to do so as well. “Keep donating! Your selfless contribution and effort allowed me to be home taking care of my daughter. I’m so grateful to be here for her.”