School isn’t the only thing that’s been cancelled this winter.
Since January numerous blood drives have been called off nationally due to severe winter weather and it has created a shortage, according to the American Red Cross.
As a result donors are being urged to give blood or platelets in February to help build up the supply.
Especially needed is type O negative blood but all blood types are in short supply. Those who choose to volunteer are encouraged to make and keep their donation appointments so hospitals can continue to ensure critical care for patients this winter.
Flu and other seasonal illnesses are spreading, which could also force more people to cancel what has already been more than 16,000 blood and platelet donations nationwide.
As a thank-you, all who come to give by Feb. 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Flurry for details.
In a hurry?
To save time, donors can use the RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
There’s also a need for volunteers, which gives people who are unable to give blood an opportunity to give back to their community by serving as a volunteer blood donor ambassador. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.
An America Red Cross worker chats with a donor during a previous blood drive in Macomb County. Due to a variety of factors including severe weather, wildfires and seasonal illnesses blood donations are done and in critical supply. MACOMB DAILY FILE PHOTO
Pregnancy loss such as a miscarriage is often considered the most common adverse pregnancy outcome, but the psychological impact it can have on an expectant mother can be overwhelming.
Amber Robinson of Macomb Township was expecting three times.
“I had two miscarriages and then we found out I was pregnant with twins,” Robinson said, referring to her high school sweetheart Kyle Williams, both of whom are graduates of Anchor Bay H.S.
Having experienced two miscarriages already, news of the twins had Robinson feeling a mix of emotions. For one, she was nervous about just being pregnant and overwhelmed at the idea of twins but also very excited about two babies coming at once.
“He was ecstatic,” Robinson said, of Williams.
However, just when they started making plans for two cribs, two strollers and two of everything else, Robinson learned she had miscarried a twin and that the other baby might not survive.
Among the questions that Robinson asked at this point was why?
“Why is my body not capable of holding children,” said Robinson, who has autoimmune disease and suffers from fibroids.
“Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow in or on the uterus,” said Dr. D’Angela Pitts, director of maternal infant health equity at Henry Ford Health. “They are not directly related to autoimmune diseases, as they are primarily caused by hormonal factors, particularly estrogen and progesterone as well as genetic and environmental influences.”
But it’s possible that these fibroids led to the early arrival of Averi Zianne Williams, born at 32 weeks, weighing 4 pounds, 3 ounces.
D’Angela Pitts
“Over the course of my pregnancy, as she grew they (fibroids) grew,” Robinson said, until they were the size of oranges. “She was fighting for space and came early.”
Averi, while born tiny, was mighty.
After spending 21 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, was able to go home and has been thriving ever since. In fact, the happy, tall-for-her-age 3-year-old will soon be a big sister.
Robinson said having Averi helped her get through the depression that lingered over the loss of her twin and previous miscarriages but it also brought on new struggles associated with postpartum depression (PPD), a common condition that affects approximately 10-20% of pregnancies, although the true number may be higher due to underreporting.
“It can be triggered by a variety of factors including complications during pregnancy or delivery, sleep deprivation, a history of depression or anxiety and stressful changes such as the loss of a child,” Pitts said.
“When she finally came home I was scared of everything,” Robinson said. “I wouldn’t take showers because I didn’t want her to be alone too long.”It’s then that she leaned on her village including her doctor and family.
“I cannot thank her enough,” Robinson said of Pitts. “She would literally hold my hand. I couldn’t have done it without her and my family. My parents and Kyle’s parents. They were there to make sure I was OK and for reassurance.”
Robinson said she often worried that it was something she did that brought on her pregnancy problems and after going from not having any children to having a child was unsure of herself. They helped stifle those fears and assure her that what she was doing was the best for Averi and that she was the best mom. They also made her feel comfortable enough to take a nap while Averi was in their care.
“I’m still going through therapy but I’m doing a lot better,” said Robinson, who was told in December that she’s pregnant.
“I’m still working but I reduced my hours and this baby is due in August. I think that will help too because the weather will be nice and I won’t be stuck inside all the time,” Robinson said.
She also knows that should things get difficult she can turn to people for help and advises other women struggling with postpartum depression to do the same.
“Lean on your village, your family, your spouse or your friend, and let them know how you’re feeling,” she said. “Then, just take it, day by day.”
Amber Robinson of Macomb Township gets a big hug from her 3-year-old daughter Averi. Robinson, who suffered from postpartum depression (PPD) after several pregnancies that included the loss of Averi’s twin, said those suffering from PPD need to lean on their village for support. (Photo courtesy of Henry Ford Health)
The Packard Proving Grounds in Shelby Township will present “Albert Kahn and Packard: Getting the Packards on the Road,” as part of its Historical Series at 1p.m. March 16.
This engaging event that’s sure to be a treat for anyone passionate about history, architecture or automotive innovation will explore how Albert Kahn’s architectural genius shaped Packard’s sales and service buildings between 1907 and 1930, structures that were functional and integral in defining Packard’s brand.
Albert Kahn was a pioneer among architects whose modern industrial designs can be seen in everything from office buildings and banks to city structures like the Belle Isle Aquarium and several factories.
As part of its historical speaker series, Heidi Pfannes and John Cole will discuss Kahn’s influence on Packard and its buildings, which played a crucial role in defining Packard’s reputation.
They weren’t just service centers.
Khan carefully designed spaces that projected sophistication and exclusivity, much like the cars they housed.
“Kahn understood that Packard’s customers weren’t just buying cars; they were investing in a legacy of quality and innovation,” said Mary Anne Demo, executive director of the Packard Proving Grounds. “His dealerships reflected that prestige, making them just as iconic as the automobiles themselves.”
Tickets are $5 for not-yet members and free for members.
The Packard Proving Ground Historic Site is at 49965 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township.
A view of one of the buildings at the Packard Proving Grounds, many of which were designed by Albert Kahn, who will be the subject of an upcoming speaker series March 16 at 1 p.m.
(FILE PHOTO)
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