One Daviess Co. mom is alive thanks to blood donations after unpredicted complications giving birth to her son.

“After delivery I was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome. I required transfusions in order to replace the blood I had lost,” said Joelle Hagan.

Joelle required over 50 blood products after giving birth, that equals out to about 18 donors worth of blood.

“If they didn’t have that supply, she wouldn’t have made it,” her husband Brad Hagan said.

A year later, they’re celebrating their son Dean’s first birthday with a blood drive to give back.

“We have to be proactive and donate now because you never know when you’ll be on the receiving end and need it,” said Joelle.

One donor and Dean’s cousin was also on the receiving end years ago.

“I was born at 29 weeks at two pounds and one ounce,” said Lexi Miles. “I received blood when I was a baby so now, I’m giving back.”

Read Full Article