Behind The Mic: The Personal Reason I’m Asking People In Rochester To Donate Blood

Every Wednesday, my husband receives an infusion that exists because strangers donate blood products.

This is his lifeline.

YOU are his lifeline.  And right now, an urgent request has been sent out as an S.O.S. in our community to help people just like my husband.  People who need blood products.

...and if you've never met anyone who has ever needed blood products on a regular basis or in an emergency...let me show you how vital these items are by giving you a glimpse at my real life when I'm not behind the microphone.

READ MORE: Try Yoga Among The Grapevines This Summer in Rochester

Jessica On The Radio - TSM

Rochester Radio Personality Gives A Glimpse At Her Real Life Behind The Microphone

If you've ever heard my show on Y-105FM or read my stories, you know that I'm pretty real and authentic.  I have piles of clothes sitting in a laundry basket...basically every day...like a lot of moms.  I have dirty dishes on my counter...at least, until the teenager does the dishwasher.  I drive through all of the "fun" construction in Rochester...just like you.  I drink way too much coffee...

Those are all pretty normal parts of all of our lives.  But my life has one added layer (that I really hope you don't have too...because it has days that sometimes are all about survival...in more than one way.)

My reality when I'm not behind the microphone...I'm a caregiver for my husband who is now living with two chronic illnesses that have no cure.

Rochester Radio Host And Husband Tell Their Story In The Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Calendar

A few years ago, our family was one of many who were picked to be in the calendar for the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Center.  The reason...blood products are what my husband needs every week to keep living.

We have no idea why, but one day, his body decided to stop making antibodies, and now, he will have infusions the rest of his life to help his body have a small chance at fighting off even the smallest illnesses and infections.

The TikTok we made a few years ago says every 28 days, but when you are dealing with chronic illnesses, things change...a lot.  Due to an allergic reaction that my husband had with one of his infusions, he now gets infusions every Wednesday.

Yes...every Wednesday, some of the most expensive meds in the world are infused into his body...and those meds are created thanks to those who donate blood products.

In other words...we are forever grateful to all who roll up their sleeves to donate.

Jessica On The Radio - TSM

Urgent and Immediate Need For Type O Blood at the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Center in Rochester

I know that some people have a fear of giving blood...and I get it.  Others aren't able to give blood for a variety of reasons.  But for those who can, please think about donating blood this week.

The Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Center sent out an SOS for an urgent and immediate need for Type O blood this week.  Every 10 minutes, someone at Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus is in need of blood products, and right now, our community is being asked to help restock the shelves of our local blood supply.

All Blood Types Are Needed

While the current immediate need is for Type O Blood, all blood types are needed.  If you don't know your blood type, you can still sign up to donate.  You will learn what type you have once you donate!

How To Donate Blood At The Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Center

There are a few fixed site locations where you can donate blood in Rochester:

• Downtown Rochester (Hilton Building, 210 2nd Street SW), Monday-Friday from 6:00 am until 4:30 pm.
• Northwest Rochester (Medical Complex NW, Building A, 4115 W Frontage Road), Monday-Friday from 6:00 am until 4:30 pm.

To donate, just call 507-284-4475 to make an appointment or schedule one online through the Donor Dashboard.

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Y-105FM is Southeast Minnesota's go-to source for local news, events, and community stories. Whether you're a lifelong Rochester resident or just discovering everything this region has to offer, we're here to help you connect, explore, and stay in the know. Know something we should cover? Reach out to jessica.williams@townsquaremedia.com — we're always looking for something to talk about on the radio and write about.