‘I wouldn’t be here’: Illinois man shares life-saving power of blood donations

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The American Red Cross is urging people across Illinois to roll up their sleeves and donate blood, as supplies remain critically low following weeks of severe winter weather and canceled blood drives.

For one Illinois man, donated blood products meant the difference between life and death.

Andrew Berryman, an account manager with the American Red Cross, knows firsthand how vital a steady blood supply can be. Thirteen years ago, what was supposed to be a routine tonsillectomy turned into a medical nightmare after he suffered an extremely rare allergic reaction to anesthesia.

"It was a 1 and 10,000,000 never recorded reaction, just bad luck," he said.

Within 45 seconds, Berryman had heart and lung failure. He told WAND News the doctors worked on him for 14 hours, and eventually had to make the decision to medevac him to Loyola Hospital.

Doctors placed Berryman on an ECMO machine, which temporarily shuts down the heart and lungs while oxygenating and circulating blood outside the body. He remained on the machine for 52 hours, as doctors fought to save his life.

Complications continued when his femoral artery ruptured, leading to uncontrolled bleeding, pneumonia, kidney failure and multiple strokes. At several points, his family was told he would not survive.

“If I didn’t have blood products on the shelf when my femoral artery tore, you and I wouldn’t be here talking right now,” Berryman said. “I wouldn’t have a six-month-old son. I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy all of the life that’s been given to me over the past 13 years.”

Berryman credits anonymous blood donors for his survival. He said their generosity continues to save countless lives every day.

“It’s the reason why I’m alive,” he said. “People went out of their way to donate and choose to help strangers they’ve never met.”

Right now, the Red Cross said the need for donations is urgent. According to Berryman, the organization’s blood supply is down 35 percent due to increased demand and widespread weather-related cancellations.

“Last month alone, we had 400 blood drives canceled due to inclement weather,” he said. “That’s three times more than the previous year.”

Berryman hopes his story encourages people, especially first-time donors, to consider giving blood. He emphasized that the donation process has become easier and less intimidating, including the elimination of finger-stick testing for hemoglobin levels.

“Each donation can save up to three lives. That’s three birthdays, three families getting more time together.”

The Red Cross said the need for blood is constant and growing, and both new and regular donors are essential to maintaining a stable supply. To find the nearest drive, click here.