Triad couple starts tradition of donating blood, seeing impacts firsthand

Wendy Baker and her husband have a unique way of celebrating their anniversary: donating blood.The tradition started back in 2019, two weeks after Baker’s mom died. “I was just grieving so hard,” Baker said. “But it was an amazing feeling. It’s a blessing to give. So many people are in need.”Her mom had been on the receiving end of transfusions just a few months prior, getting more than 20 units of blood after doctors discovered a bleeding ulcer. Baker described the situation as traumatic and scary, but also recognizes it was blood donations that prolonged her mom’s life for several months and gave her family some peace.Baker still thinks of her mom every time she donates blood, posting on social media about the different drives, always saying to give in honor of her mom. Over the past four years, she and her husband have donated two gallons of blood together.”I think she would be very proud,” Baker said. “My mom was a teacher, so she gave her whole life to kids. I think she would be proud of me and my husband for giving in her memory.”Baker said she and her mom have the O-negative blood type, which is highly in demand, as it can be universally received. But all blood types are needed right now, according to the Red Cross, as it faces a national shortage.WXII is partnering with the American Red Cross for a Community Blood Drive on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Come out to the Home & Garden Building at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sign up for an appointment slot at redcrossblood.org.