ROUND ROCK, Texas — January is National Blood Donor Month and after the holidays, Central Texas' sole blood provider says it is in dire need of donations.
We Are Blood says donations typically slow down after the holidays as people return to work and school. Right now, the blood bank is in urgent need of Type O blood, so staff is encouraging Central Texans to give the gift of life.
"It's a very small part of your day, but you're making a life-saving difference for an individual in need," We Are Blood's Nick Canedo said.
One Round Rock family knows firsthand how important blood and platelet donations are.
The role of a father is one Scott Anderson takes to heart, giving to his kids the same way his own father gave to him.
"I was able to lean on my dad and ask him questions going through life, and I want to be there for them when you know that time comes," Scott Anderson said. "And you never know what the future brings. And I'll always be looking over my shoulder."
In 2019, he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, which he describes as a "brother" to leukemia. He underwent his first stem cell transplant in 2020 but relapsed two years later into actual leukemia.
"There were a lot of times I would sit crying, being like, 'This could be the last Christmas we have,'" he said. "'I might not get to see my kids graduate high school, I might not get to see them get married.'"
This all happened while his son, William, was in high school.
"He's always been there for me and is such a big role model in my life," William Anderson said.
That's why he decided it was his turn to be there for his father while he was undergoing a second stem cell transplant last December.
Among the stem cells Scott Anderson received were some donated by his son.
"I couldn't just give up on my dad. I mean, this was my way of saying 'thank you' to him, of giving to him as he's given to me my whole life," William Anderson said.
After undergoing many blood and platelet transfusions, Scott Anderson also credits other donors for saving his life.
"People like me need people like you to stay alive. And without those donations, I mean, what would we do?" he said.
It is proof that the spirit of generosity from strangers and from family can define the lives we get to live.
"The love I have for my son, the love I have for my wife, just those two just went so far above and beyond what I could have ever imagined," Scott Anderson said.
He recently received results from his one year bone marrow biopsy. He said everything is clear, and he will have a follow-up soon.
Learn more about donating blood and platelets.