Virginia Blood Services has blood drives and receives blood donations for the Richmond, Virginia area

Christiane Holmberg Potes When I was 14, I collapsed at church one night with a terrible headache. I was rushed to St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond where they discovered that I had had a deadly brain hemorrhage. It took hours of surgery and the blood from 42 people to save my life. Today I'm married and have two children, and I work as a nurse. I'm a walking talking miracle, thanks to blood donors. Learn more about Christiane’s lifesaving experience.

Chris Wade Several years ago, when I was a Richmond police officer, I chased a crime suspect down an alley one night. I confronted him and even with the protection of a bulletproof vest, I was shot and seriously injured. A bulletproof vest didn't help me that night, but people like you did. Blood was there for me.		Chris Wade, in civilian clothes, with the friends who were on duty with him the night he was shot.

Amanda Fitzgerald I am 15 years old, and I have sickle cell anemia. Each month I have blood transfusions at MCV Hospitals in Richmond. My parents and my sister go with me every time. Blood donors are my heroes, along with my father and mother. I'm sure your blood will go to someone who appreciates it, too.

Carrie Hogue I work at Virginia Blood Services, and it's great to work for a place you believe in. I believe in Virginia Blood Services because I know firsthand what donated blood can do. It was seven years ago when I found out I had a rare, often fatal kidney disorder. Blood donated by people like you saved my life then and again last year when I had another medical emergency. Now I'm educating potential blood donors about how to save thousands more.

Gwen Orfield I literally bled to death during a pregnancy. The doctor said I was dead on arrival, and I had to have many, many blood donations to be revived. Since my brush with death, I have changed careers, become a grandmother and had many great first time experiences. I wouldn't have come back to this fantastic life without blood donors.

Stephen Levine I received the blood from 11 people when I had a double lung transplant at the University of Virginia Medical Center. I have cystic fibrosis and it had done a lot of damage to my lungs. I spent several years too sick to live normally and waited two years for my new lungs. Today I'm not only feeling good--I can play tennis and sing in a chorus. Music and sports have always been important parts of my life, and it's great to be involved again. I thank blood donors for helping people like me.

Mark Lindsey Several years ago, in my freshman year at the University of Virginia, I caught a flu that seriously damaged my heart. It ended my football career and after months in the hospital, I was lucky to receive a donated heart. The blood from nearly 200 people saved my life, and today I'm married and have a new daughter.

Bruce Wenger When I found out I had the same rare liver disease that killed football star Walton Peyton - my days were numbered. But in the first surgery of its kind in the U.S., my wife Kristina donated part of her liver to me. Thanks to Kristina, my surgeons at MCV and people like you who give blood, I'm alive and healthy today. Kristina and I have two boys, and we're doing great. Thank you for your generosity. You're making a difference in someone's life.