Robin Callahan (above right) is a manager of Nursing Unit 3 East at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital who had never donated blood before. Stephanee Donahue (at left) is a hospitality associate in Dietary who donates regularly.
This is their story, in Robin's words:
Stephanee and I met in 2019. I was a new nurse manager on 3 East and Stephanee had just accepted a PCA position on the same unit. I soon learned that Stephanee was a regular blood donor here at Suburban. Each time a ConnectLife blood drive was announced at Suburban, I never had to ask if she was going, but what time she planned to go.
Though Stephanee moved on to a different department last year, we’ve still kept in touch on holidays and Mother’s Day, always wishing each other well. We’ve also kept in touch through the ConnectLife blood drive.
While seeing each other in the halls I’d ask, “Did you donate your blood yet?” to which she replied, "Are you coming with me?”. She said this jokingly, but also to entice me, as she knew I had a long-standing fear of donating blood. I paused and said, “You know, if you go I’ll go.”
So we made a pact that each time ConnectLife is here we will go together. Our first blood donation together was this past May. Though I was still afraid, having Stephanee there with me made it much easier. Our next donation is on Wednesday, July 27 and I’m looking forward to meeting her there.
To anyone who may be fearful, grab a friend! Having a blood donation buddy made the experience not only stress free, but also enjoyable.