A Serendipitous Social Post Sparks a Lifesaving Act and Inspires Many

By Dan Dowling, Red Cross regional communications manager

“I felt like that was a sign. It seemed like everything fell into place. I felt super, super strong that it was something I was supposed to do.”

Summer Stoutes, a principal at Clarendon Elementary school in Clarendon, Vermont, had never considered becoming a kidney donor before she saw a family’s plea on social media. “I saw on Facebook that a local family had posted that their son needed a kidney donation. I didn't know the family, but I saw the post being shared,” she said.

Summer’s husband is a cancer survivor, and had a kidney removed. On the day Summer saw the post, it was her husband’s five-year anniversary of being cancer free.

“Right away I had a draw to it and felt like it was something that I needed to do. I felt like I was going to be the one to do it, which was kind of strange,” Summer recalled.

Summer called the hospital and began to get information about the process. After three months of intensive tests and screenings, she was told that she was an extremely rare match. On April 19, 2016, Summer successfully donated her kidney to a stranger, and a few days later she had the opportunity to meet the recipient.

“It was very emotional. When I met him the first thing he said was how good he felt. He had been so incredibly sick, so it was one of the best days ever for me,” said Summer.

Community service and the sense of giving back are important to Summer and her family. After her kidney donation, she had to wait a year before she could donate blood, so she began volunteering at the annual Gift of Life Marathon blood drive in Rutland. She now donates blood a few times every year.

This year, Summer was chosen to serve as the 2024 Gift of Life Marathon blood drive ambassador. The blood drive will offer four days of giving during the first and second weeks of December with the goal of collecting 429 pints of lifesaving blood.

“When I had the opportunity to donate my kidney, the feeling of giving back grew even more,” she said. “The feeling that I get when I can help someone in need fills me with joy. It's amazing to think that giving up an hour of your time to give blood, can save multiple lives!”

Donors have an opportunity to share comfort with patients counting on lifesaving transfusions. Right now, donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with type O blood. The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood supply and there is no replacement for lifesaving blood – the gift lies within volunteer blood donors.

Of course, donating blood is better together and doubles the impact. Pair up with loved ones and share the gift of life. In just an hour, donors could be the lifesaving change for people in need of critical medical care.

2024 Gift of Life Marathon Blood Drive 

  

Dec. 3, 2024 

11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 

Vermont State University Castleton 
119 Alumni Drive (Campus Center), Castleton, VT 05735 

  

Dec. 5, 2024 

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Rutland High School 
22 Stratton Rd., Rutland, VT 05701   
 

Dec. 10, 2024 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Dec. 11, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 

Elks Lodge #345 
44-46 Pleasant St., Rutland, VT 05701 

Though Summer has never needed blood personally, her family and friends have. She understands firsthand the lifesaving impact donated blood can have for patients in need. That is why she is inviting you to join her in rolling up a sleeve at this year’s Gift of Life Marathon Blood Drive.

“It's a great way to support our community and the Gift of Life Marathon blood drive is an amazing event,” she said.

Before becoming the principal at Clarendon Elementary School, Summer was a teacher in Rutland City for 22 years. Volunteering and community service were always actions she emphasized in her teaching.

“There are so many things that you can do, whether it's donating blood or donating time and doing little projects. I think I have always tried to share that with my students,” she said.

Summer’s kidney donation has inspired others to make lifesaving donations of their own. She has heard from many people in the Rutland community who have been moved to donate after hearing her story.

“Anytime anyone is willing to listen to me about donating, I love to talk about it because I just feel that if you're able to, you should. It is a great way to get people involved in the community,” said Summer.

The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion. One in seven patients entering the hospital will need a blood transfusion. Will you give the gift of life this holiday season?

To make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), visit RedCrossBlood.org or download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App. Use Sponsor Code: GOLM2024.