Blood saves lifelong donor after serious motorcycle accident

By Jennifer Costa, regional communications director

“If you need a miracle, you’re looking at it.”

Mark Munson survived the unimaginable. For decades, the Mainer has been a motorcyclist, riding throughout New England. It’s a responsibility he took seriously, always wearing a helmet and prioritizing safety.

“I rode 40 years accident-free, citation-free,” he said proudly.

But nine months ago, Munson’s beloved hobby nearly killed him. On July 31, 2023, the then 70-year-old was struck head-on by an SUV just four miles from his home. 

“The motorcycle was totaled, and I was very nearly totaled,” Munson said. “You can’t think about the ‘what ifs,’ but if I had been 15 seconds later, this never would have happened.”

One moment Munson was enjoying a carefree, early evening cruise; the next moment, the seasoned rider was being rushed to the emergency room with severe injuries. His survival and recovery were very much uncertain.

“I broke vertebrae in my neck. I broke my back. I broke my right leg. I broke some ribs. I lost my spleen,” Munson said, recounting the trauma his body endured from the crash.

It wasn’t until much later, Munson learned how dire his situation was. He was bleeding internally – and needed blood. He received seven units – five packed red blood cells and two units of fresh frozen plasma.

“It undoubtedly saved my life. And if it had not been there, we would not be having this conversation. I know that now firsthand,” he said. “Before my accident, the notion of blood donation was an abstract concept. It’s not abstract anymore. Now, it’s absolute.”

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, and while no one can predict when an accident may happen, blood donors can help hospitals stay prepared and stocked with blood products. In an emergency, it’s the blood already on hospital shelves that helps save lives – lives like Munson’s.

“Nine months ago today was that accident – and I’m walking, talking. It’s quite remarkable that I’m still here,” he said. “It just emphasizes how important it is to donate when you can, because if you don’t need it, somebody else does.” 

Munson is a lifelong blood donor who gave for 50 years before finding himself on the receiving end of the donation process. 

“I learned about blood donation by example. No one told me to do it. I just watched my dad do it,” he said, explaining that his father, a traveling salesman, would donate at drives along his routes.

“Reach into your humanity, just a little bit, and say, ‘I’m not doing anything during that Thursday blood drive.’ Come in, roll up a sleeve and be part of the team that supports everybody else who needs your help. It’s easy. It’s quick and it is so important,” he said.

So important that Munson had one more thing to cross-off his bucket list before declaring his recovery complete. Since the accident, he mastered physical therapy, relearning to walk – first with a walker, then a cane and eventually unassisted. Then came occupational therapy – and finally a return to the ballfield. Munson is entering is 9th season with the Portland Sea Dogs. He works in guest relations, but it wasn’t throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2024 season that gave him the greatest sense of accomplishment. It was something that happened inside the park before the fans arrived. 

“I am delighted to be able to walk back into Hadlock Field,” he said.

For the first time since his accident, Munson was able to donate blood. On April 30, the Portland Sea Dogs teamed up with the Red Cross to host a blood drive at the ballpark. Thirty-six units of lifesaving blood were collected – one of those units belonged to Munson. 

“It feels like my recovery journey is now complete. I am back to doing everything that I need or want to do. For me, having the ability and the opportunity to donate again feels triumphant.” 

May is Trauma Awareness Month. The Red Cross depends on the generosity of volunteers to ensure blood products are available at a moment’s notice. Make your appointment to give blood. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

UPDATE: Red Cross blood donor and blood recipient Mark Munson talks with WGME about the lifesaving importance of donation amid a national blood shortage in August 2024. Click here to watch the story.