The day started just like any other for Susan Hoskinson, but what was initially an ordinary day would soon become one of her most life-changing experiences.

Hoskinson, whose smile lights up any room she enters, was beginning to feel extremely tired, lethargic and knew she wasn’t quite herself.

Hoskinson listened to her body and trusted her instincts, which led her to the hospital where she would soon have blood testing done.

“My doctor called me and said you need to get back to the hospital,” said Hoskinson. “I thought, no, I’ll go in the morning and the doctor said your levels are so bad that you may not see the morning.”

Taking in the news, Hoskinson called her sons, told them not to worry and immediately changed her plans.

“I said it’s no big deal. And I was able to tell them you know why it’s not a big deal? Because I know that source is there. That source is there because of the work that I do,” Hoskinson recalled.

The next morning, Hoskinson laid down on a hospital bed and prepared for her first blood transfusion.

For Hoskinson, who was currently working as a business operations specialist for The Red Cross Central and Southern Ohio Region, her anxiety and fear resided when she looked up from the hospital bed and saw the words “American Red Cross Donor” written on the blood bags.

“It’s scary but I have the utmost confidence in the organization that I am committed to, and it was pretty neat to have all the anxiety wrapped up,” said Hoskinson. “And then I called my boss and said, ‘Well I’m kind of working but not really and I took a picture of the blood bag.’ I was able to maintain composure and say ‘You know, something’s going on, I’m not really sure why but I have to have this to continue to see what’s going on.’”

That day marked a new journey for Hoskinson, one that would eventually result in her becoming a four-time blood donor recipient.

Hoskinson, who has continually grown her passion for The Red Cross since joining the organization in 2011, moved to Texas to become the Texas Gulf Coast Regional Chief Operating Officer (COO).

“My position as COO is multifaceted and our organization is multifaceted. I have a personal story with the blood program as a blood donor recipient and I wouldn’t be here without it,” said Hoskinson.

From a life-saving blood transfusion to being thrown into the depths of hurricane season as an introduction to the “Lone Star State,” Hoskinson’s experiences have allowed her to remain calm in the wake of disaster and be the helping hand that we all need from time to time.

She considers everyone who volunteers their time and resources as her brothers and sisters-in-arms and “when we can be there for somebody, whether you’re internal or external to the organization, it makes our mission so much more powerful and so much more passion-filled,” says Hoskinson.

“Take the first step and you’ll never regret the second,” said Hoskinson. “And no matter what area you choose to connect with The Red Cross, whether it be a blood donation or sign up to become a volunteer, we are multifaceted and we will find what suits you.”

Ready to save lives? Click here to find a blood donation center near you.

Story By: Cerenity Dai