Woman Says Blood Donations Helped Save Her Life

December 12, 2003

For more than 20 years, Mary Lynne O'Brien-Gianetti has been giving the gift of life to others by donating blood. But the tables were turned a few months ago when Gianetti needed 25 units of blood to save her life.

In April, Gianetti suffered for three days from what she thought was a stomach virus but the pain was actually an adhesion from a prior surgery which perforated her small intestine and cut the blood supply. "I went into septic shock and required over half of my small intestine to be removed in order to keep me alive and get the blood flowing normally throughout my body" explained, Gianetti. HMC surgeons John Bello, M.D. and Joseph Bello, M.D., performed a total of five surgeries on Gianetti. Gianetti remembers, "I was in the hospital for sixty-five days and began calling the hospital the Hunterdon Hotel. I cannot thank the surgeons and nursing staff at Hunterdon Medical Center enough for their efforts in saving my life. I can attest to the quality of care I received and am not surprised that Hunterdon Medical Center receives high patient satisfaction scores. I also would like to thank the blood donors who gave me the gift of life. If it was not for their donations I would not be here today."

Eighty percent of the blood used for patients at Hunterdon Medical Center comes from donors in the community. "Our donors are all special people who give blood only to help others in need. It isn't every day you can save someone's life. Most of us can give this gift and keep giving it regularly," stated Joanna Truedsson, Blood Donor Recruiter at the Hunterdon Medical Center.

Gianetti has been advocating to her family and friends to donate back the twenty-five units of blood, she received for her surgeries. "I believe it is my moral obligation to give back what I needed. It was available when I needed it and I want to make sure it is available for others in the community," stated Gianetti. She added, "You never know when you are going to end up in the hospital. You may be donating for a family member, friend or even yourself."

Each year HMC's blood donors are recognized at a donor recognition party. Recently donors enjoyed a dinner at Razberry's. The following businesses supported the party through a donation or by providing a door prize: Applebees, Bagel Club, B.J.'s Wholesale Club, Café Main Street, Clinton House Restaurant, Flemington Department Store, Flemington Family Restaurant, The Gilded Lily, Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center, Illusions Salon & Body Spa, Joe's Pizzeria & Restaurant, Longaberger Basket, Max's Bistro, Old River House Restaurant, Pine Creek Miniature Golf, Sherrerd's Florist, Shop-Rite, Somerset Patriots tickets courtesy of Byron Brisby and Steve Kalafer, The Stockton Inn, Stop N' Shop, TGI Fridays and the Union Hotel & Restaurant.

If you would like to schedule an appointment to donate blood or would like more information call Hunterdon Medical Center's Blood Donor Recruiter at (908) 788-6405.