The Red Cross says they need all kinds of donors, the more the merrier.
Cheryl Scott shows how donors helped a Chicago-area woman struggle with fibroids.
"It's like really difficult talking about it," blood recipient Monique Gamboa said.
SEE ALSO: 2026 Great Chicago Blood Drive kicks off in January | Sign up to donate
Fibroids are growths that form in or on the walls of the uterus and can lead to all kinds of complications, from heavy, painful menstrual cycles to miscarriages. About two of every 10 women, who have not gone through menopause, have them.
"He's like, I don't know how you you're like alive, right now. Your blood count is so low," Gamboa said.
Gamboa had to undergo an emergency, full hysterectomy. The procedure removes the entire uterus and the cervix, stopping menstrual periods and the ability to get pregnant. She says the surgery rocked her to her core.
"But I wish I had that opportunity, you know, still to have another kid, you know, but I don't have that chance. But here I'm still here," Gamboa said.
She said she needed multiple blood transfusions to prepare her body for surgery, because her blood count was so low. She even needed one during the procedure.
"Even through the surgery, they had to do a emergency blood transfusion. You know, I was down, so I don't remember anything," Gamboa said.
But, there's one thing she says she remembers, for sure.
"When I received that blood, there was always a card that for the heart and then a name, just the first name and like a message," Gamboa said. "So I was like, wow. Like to have that to have, you know, a person I don't even know where he's from, but they had donated blood."
Now, Gamboa donates blood and she remembers her first experience fondly.
"It was emotional and hit me different. Oh, like, wow, is this my it's my turn to give instead of receiving, receiving all the time," Gamboa said.
And as she gives, Gamboa is reminded of the gift other donors gave her.
"We have two, two amazing kids. And now I get to go home every day I get to be with them," Gamboa said.
If you'd like to help make an impact too, make an appointment for the 2026 Great Chicago Blood Drive.
It's Wednesday and Thursday.
We're teaming up with the American Red Cross to provide six convenient donation locations, across both days.
Just click here to sign up for your appointment.
And if you aren't sure about your schedule, we're accepting walk-ins if you find a break in your day.