Medina high school senior becomes blood donor advocate
Tiffany Poynter received life-saving transfusions as baby
Courtesy of the Red Cross
Photo courtesy of Red Cross: Tiffany Poynter, pictured with her parents, Merle and Michelle Poynter, needed a blood transfusion at birth and is now a Medina high school senior who donates blood.
MEDINA – Tiffany Poynter was born two weeks early by emergency cesarean section. During the procedure, the doctor cut her mother’s placenta, causing Tiffany to bleed out through her umbilical cord.
She was given a blood transfusion immediately after birth and a second transfusion the following day. Tiffany recovered in the neonatal intensive care unit.
“All in all, I am forever grateful for whoever donated the blood I received because I wouldn’t be here today without it,” said Tiffany. “I remember being very excited to turn 16 so I could donate!”
Tiffany is now a high school senior and blood donor. She has donated four times and intends to keep giving.
“I donate blood because I want to help those who need it like I did.”
Due to blood drives canceled because of winter weather and illnesses such as the seasonal flu, there is a critical need for blood donations. Eligible donors are urged to give now. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. Visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to make an appointment.
Upcoming local blood drives will be held at:
• Medina Memorial Hospital on Saturday, February 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Medina Sacred Heart Club on Tuesday, February 27, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• St. Gobain in Albion on Tuesday, February 27, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• You can help earn scholarship money for Kendall High School by donating at the school on Wednesday, February 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
