Greg has needed multiple blood transfusions throughout his life.
As a child, he battled Crohn’s disease, a rare digestive disorder that can cause internal bleeding.
In 2011, doctors had to remove large sections of his intestines.
“When I was in surgery, I started bleeding, so doctors had to give me a few bags of blood to get me stabilized,” Greg recalls.
Through most of his life he has battled anemia as well. In May 2021 Greg had a serious episode. As he was rushed to the hospital, he recalled that “My heart rate was struggling. My body was just trying to get oxygen. My resting heart rate was 125. It got pretty bad.”
Doctors informed Greg he has leukemia. His hemoglobin was so low that he received three to four transfusions.
“After blood transfusions I feel healthier. I can see it in my heart rate. I can breathe easier. I can move about easier and just a general feeling of feeling better and energized and relaxed,” he said.
For many, hearing that they have cancer is shocking news, but for Greg he recalls something totally different.
“I had already mentally worked through that for a few years and was prepared for that possibility.”
But he does worry about his wife and two children.
“I’m just trying to stay strong for them. I know they were really worried as it went on. It was tough on my wife,” he said. “I know during that time frame, she’s been the one trying to keep the household going while I’ve been in the hospital. She’s doing an amazing job.”
He is thankful for donors who gave blood and saved his life during the pandemic and the continued blood shortage. Schedule a blood donation or host a blood drive in honor of patients like Greg by calling 210-731-5590 or visiting SouthTexasBlood.org.
