Leala McClurg received blood, platelets
during & after child birth
BOWLING GREEN, Mo. (March 5, 2014) – Leala McClurg says she probably would not be alive today if not for the quick action of medical professionals and the lifesaving blood donations from strangers she’ll likely never meet. After four surgeries and nearly a month in the hospital in the fall of 2013, McClurg is asking the community to help patients in need by giving blood at two blood drives in her honor in March.
McClurg visited the hospital in October for a pregnancy check-up prior to her expected delivery date in early November. While there, McClurg’s placenta broke, prompting doctors to perform an emergency C-section surgery. The baby was fine but McClurg was not out of the woods yet; further complications including respiratory failure and the temporary shutdown of her kidneys ultimately resulted in four surgeries and a medically induced coma. During her nearly month-long stay in the hospital, McClurg received more than 50 units of blood and platelets.
“If I hadn’t have gone into the hospital for that check up and if that blood hadn’t been available, I wouldn’t be here today,” McClurg said. “I think everyone should donate blood because you never know who is going to need it.”
Leala McClurg Blood Drives
March 19 from 1 to 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 205 W. Centennial in Bowling Green, Mo.
March 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bowling Green High School, 700 W. Adams in Bowling Green, Mo.
Blood collected at the Leala McClurg Blood Drives may help many patients, including those undergoing surgery, cancer patients and accident victims. All blood types are needed.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.