PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Jenny Farley is a former journalist now using her storytelling skills as a communications volunteer for the American Red Cross.
“I am a writer and photographer, and throughout my work at the Red Cross, I interview people and take their pictures. I have met a lot of people who have benefited from getting blood or giving it,” Farley said.
She’s still telling amazing stories. There are so many to choose from, but one really stands out.
“I interviewed a firefighter whose life had been saved. She almost bled to death. She was 10 minutes from death, but she ended up surviving because of the blood donations she got,” Farley recalled.
Farley is a gifted storyteller, but now she’s sharing her own story – one about how blood donations saved her life.
“I am still shocked that I needed it,” she said.
A routine surgery took a left turn. She was only supposed to be in the hospital for two days, but life had other plans.
“I had the surgery on Monday, and two days later, I ended up in the ICU with my blood pressure dropping and my hemoglobin going down. I ended up getting five blood transfusions,” Farley said.
Receiving blood changed her perspective on donation – and deeply impacted her family.
She says the experience motivated all of them to become donors. It’s also what inspired her to share her story with Action News, in hopes of encouraging others to take a lifesaving step.
“It changes everything because I think until your own life is at stake, you can’t really get it,” Farley said.
You, too, could be a hero who saves lives during emergencies like the one Farley had. Sign up for the 6abc Philly Blood Drive.
It’s happening on Wednesday, between 9 a.m. and 7 pm. There are five locations across our region where you can donate.
Click here to learn more.
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