"I thought blood donors gave blood for someone in a motorcycle accident or a car accident because, 'Oh, they lost blood,' I had no idea people get blood transfusions because of situations like mine," Koorbusch remembers thinking.
He was diagnosed with Sézary syndrome and needed a stem cell transplant after other treatments failed. In the meantime, Koorbush received more than 100 blood transfusions.
Doreen Howe, the regional CEO of the American Red Cross Greater NY Region, says situations like Koorbusch's and the need for blood are more common than people might think.
Howe stresses that, "every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Right now we're actually sending out more blood than we're collecting - which, if that continues and there isn't urgent action, could lead to doctors having to make decisions about which patients are able to receive blood and who might have to wait."
The blood from a typical donation only lasts about 42 days, so the Red Cross and hospitals need a constant supply.
Koorbusch is beyond grateful for donors' support.
"Without the American Red Cross I would've never saw my grandson. I would've died and my kids would've not had a father. My wife wouldn't have a husband," he said.
He sees life in a whole new way since the treatment.
"When you go home tonight, hug your friend, hug your wife, hug your kids, because tomorrow might not come," he said.