The Other Side of The Bag
Have you ever thought about where your blood goes after you donate?
Have you ever thought about your blood actually saving another life?
Blood donation is so much more than the 10 minutes between the needle stick and juice and cookies. Your blood donation truly changes the life of a person in need.
J.T. Williamson
J.T. Williamson of SuperTalk Mississippi was a longtime supporter of Mississippi Blood Services. A man passionate about having blood on the shelves for Mississippi patients in need. But little did he know that the donations he once sought to recruit would one day be instrumental in giving him more time on earth.
Diagnosed with large B cell lymphoma in January of 2019, he started undergoing treatment including regular blood and platelet transfusions. He always knew the blood supply was important, but never knew how important until blood products weren’t available when he needed them. He was a man passionate about blood donations; now he had to rely on the generosity of the donors he once recruited. 130 donors rolled up their sleeves across the state at different MBS locations crediting their donation to J.T.
J.T. lost his battle with lymphoma in the summer of 2021, but not before he let his listeners know that he “just wants folks to understand … you don’t know what it’s like until you’re on the other side of the bag.”
So, MBS wants to honor J.T.’s legacy by letting other patients tell their stories and spreading awareness about what life is like on “The Other Side Of The Bag.”
Carson Wallace: EA27
Carson Wallace is a 12-year-old boy from Summit. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Carson and his mother were determined to fight it. Carson is still battling this monster, but he continues to enjoy Legos, reading and science. Blood donors like you are the heroes that help patients like Carson win!
Za'Mareyah Johnson: ED60
Za'Mareyah Johnson, also fondly known as "Z", is a feisty young girl from Forest. She has to receive regular transfusions to treat Sickle Cell Disease, but she doesn't let that get her down. She goes with the flow even as her hospital stays become more frequent and longer. She loves babies and wants to grow up to work in a hospital taking care of babies who need help.
Marcus Kaszubowski: ED22
Marcus is a resident of Long Beach who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). His treatment has included regular blood and platelet transfusions. He loves spending time with his wife and 2-year-old son, with another baby boy on the way! He enjoys being outside, especially on the river.
Axel Durr: ED66
Axel is a young boy diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). His diagnosis rocked his family's whole world. They love and support him and want to do everything they can to give him the best possible fight against cancer. He is an active little boy who misses riding his bike and being with his dog. In the meantime, he loves dinosaurs, vehicles and nerf guns to keep him busy and smiling.
Ryder Jackson: Code ED44
Ryder Jackson is a young boy from Long Beach battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). He loves his parents, his little sister and his grandmother. He enjoys watching Dragon Ball Z and Narturo, which he has gotten to spend a lot of time doing during treatment in the hospital. However, his favorite pastime is going fishing with his dad. He is ready to recover and get back to middle school.
Wade McGlothin: EE53
Wade is 88 years old and always loved to garden, until last year when he had Covid During that time, he discovered he had CLL, a chronic leukemia. He loves his family, his church and teaches a men’s Sunday school class. Wade is always the one that calls people in our community who are sick to check on them. He carried the mail for about 40 years and always was on the lookout in January for the first yellow jonquil to pick for his wife, Lovie, because they are her favorite.
Kennedi Jackson: Code EC90
Kennedi Jackson is a middle schooler from Moorhead. She enjoys any type of performing – dancing, cheering or karaoke. Like most teenage girls, she loves chatting on the phone with her friends, editing videos and playing ROBLOX. One of her favorite things to do is cheer her for big brother in baseball. She was born with Sickle Cell Disease and has to receive regular blood transfusions.
Krew Polston: DZ83
Krew Polston is a baby boy from Winona. He was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and has to receive blood transfusions during his treatment. He likes to sit and play with his toys, especially ones that light up and spin. He enjoys spending time with his parents and loves watching his siblings. He loves to chit chat and can’t wait to grow up to play with his brother and sister.
James “Lil James” Howell: EB92
James Howell, II is from Braxton. He has a twin brother and a little sister. James was diagnosed with Large Diffused B-Cell Lymphoma and also has hydronephrosis of the left kidney. He loves baseball and football. His favorite teams are the Atlanta Braves, Mississippi State Bulldogs and the New Orleans Saints. He likes to go hunting, fishing and riding on 4-wheelers. His favorite foods are steak, thin crust pizza and Mexican.
Reagan Cameron: ED12
Reagan, a resident of Sumrall, is married with two sons. Her world revolves around her family, and theirs around her. But now Reagan is facing a threat bigger than her community of friends and family can face alone: she has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Part of her treatment will involve blood products, and that’s where those outside her circle come in. Blood donors will play an integral part of helping this young wife and mother getting back to doing what she loves best: being there for her family.
James Watson: ED31
James Watson is a musician from Forest. He loves to rock out with his band, Kreeper Nelson, or just play guitar by himself. He loves spending time with his grandchildren who are the light of his life. James was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and receives blood products during treatment.
Paul Wesley Stewart: EE38
Wesley Stewart is an exceptional young man with an amazing future that has been planned out by his Father in Heaven. He loves the Lord, his family, friends, traveling, photography, building and flying drones. Due to Covid, he has been on ECMO life support since December 31st...your blood donation is needed and greatly appreciated!
Ashley Goodson: EE20
Lover of family, animals, being kind and paying it forward. While others her age are living their best life, Ashley is fighting to beat Cancer! This isn't the only thing on her plate, Her Mother and cousin are in similar battles also! Make a difference for Ashley and other patients in Mississippi. Donate for Ashley!
Hannah Bree Hawn: EE39
Shannon Moody: EC97
Shannon is battling Multiple Myeloma and makes having blood and blood products on the shelf that more important as she is fighting to prepare for a stem cell transplant.
Zane Frazier: EE14
Hadley Black: DQ61
In 2019 shortly after her second birthday, Hadley was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). After undergoing chemo therapy, she was cancer free for one year. Sadly, she is fighting once again after spots were found on her liver and spleen in 2021. Your blood donations help patients, like Hadley, receive life-saving treatments. Let's donate now to ensure Hadley will have enough blood!
Robbie Hamilton: EE48
Robbie has been in radio for years and is well-known for his community service. Robbie has just undergone extensive heart surgery and he and his family would like to pay it forward to others who donated prior to his need so that there will be blood on the shelf for future need. His friends will tell you that he helps MBS promote blood drives when on the radio. To hear him laugh is a gift because it’s described as a real, honest- to-goodness, happy laugh! Robbie is still recovering in the hospital, so let’s all show our support and roll up your sleeves and keep Robbie laughing!
Elmo Moore: EE49
Elmo was recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He is a small business owner and creator of NavyDads.com. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Cindy, their children and grandchildren. He enjoys the outdoors and being on the water.
Gabrielle "Gabby" Buford: EE80
Gabby is a positive, energic “Can Do” 12 year old who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. She loves soccer and her 3 younger siblings. It is possible that she will need blood/blood product transfusions during her course of treatment. Let’s donate now and often to get Gabby home and back to being a big sister.
Sarai Mackey: EE62
At first glance, you wouldn’t know this beautiful, confident, 17 year old young woman is battling with ITP, a rare autoimmune disorder that means she will have to have blood and transfusions throughout her life. How can we help? Let’s all rally together and donate today and often to help her keep that beautiful smile on her face!
Sadie King: EE82
Sadie King is 7 years old. She has 1 brother, Kip. Sadie likes playing outside, playing cheer, dressing up and putting on makeup. She suffered a head injury in a swing accident and will need surgery. We all need to come together to ensure there is enough blood and blood products on the shelves. Share your love for Sadie!
William "Bill" Heineck: EE57
Bill is the perfect definition of a family man. His wife (Wendy), two sons (Logan and Landen), stepson (Gavin) and grandaughter (Copelyn), all agree that he is a wonderful husband, father and provider. He's worked for Clark Beverage Group for 32 years in sales, and is the Area Manager for several towns. Bill has been a father figure for many employees/coworkers; he enjoys taking them under his wing, teaching them new things, and more efficient ways of doing old things. Bill loves woodwork and building furniture in his spare time. He also has a passion for saltwater fish and coral. Let's all help Bill, so he can continue being the all-around great guy that he is for his friends and family!
Grant McCurley: EE77
Grant is 34-year combat veteran who served in the Army National Guard from 2006 to 2012. Grant and his wife, Christina, have a daughter named Olivia - she is their heart and soul! He is the Amite County Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief for Liberty Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoys spending time outdoors and with his family. On November 17, 2021, Grant was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor at his T1 vertebrae. Let’s help Grant so he can continue to be the great guy he is!
McKenzie Cotton: EF00
Dylan Johnson: EE99
Dylan Johnson, was recently shot by a stray bullet. Our hearts are heavy for what this sweet, 8-year-old boy and his family are currently going through and we hope and pray for his healing! Let's all show our love and support for Dylan by donating blood for him!
Terrell Walters: EF03
Recently, Mr. Terrell was involved in an accident at his home. He is still currently in the SICU at UMMC. He is the first and last smiling face that many of his students see, as he is a bus driver for Pelahatchie Attendance Center. When he is not driving the bus, he is tinkering in the shop, spending time with his grandchildren, or on a road trip with his wife. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, encouraging a young person, or being a leader in the community you can always find him there. Thank you for the out pour of support and for your donation during this time of need.
Joshlyn Necaise: EE56
Joshlyn Necaise is a outgoing, kind, loving, 12 year old girl who unfortunately has been diagnosed with T-ALL leukemia. She still has her positive spirit despite everything that has happened. She will need transfusions during her aggressive treatments. Let’s get Joshlyn what she needs on her road to recovery. Donate for Joshlyn at any Mississippi Blood Services locations.
Michelle Breckley: EF09
Michelle is a devoted wife and energetic mother of a 3 month old & a 5 year old. She has recently been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Michelle will need us all to step up to donate in order to get her the blood and blood products she’ll need during her fight.
Ella Spinks: EF14
On March 31, 2022, Ella Spinks was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Ella is a bubbly, outgoing young lady that enjoys to paint, ride four wheelers and most of all spending time with her family and friends. Ella is battling against ALL. With your Blood and Blood product donations and prayers, she will beat cancer and continue her special journey of life. Let’s do it for Ella!
Robert "Bob" Harris: EF47
Worship Leader. Cheesecake Chef. Grocery Shopper. Grass cutter. Pawpaw. His current illness is threatening his ability to do the things he loves most and will soon be having surgery. Let’s gather together and give the gift of life by donating blood and blood products!
Juquitta Hill: EF26
To this beautiful 29-year-old mother, her main focus and concern is her 3 precious children. Unfortunately, Juquitta was born with a Chiari Malformation. This is a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. Symptoms include pain and trouble swallowing and treatment involves monitoring and perhaps surgery. Juquitta has had surgery in the past and will most likely need It again as she raises her family. We can make a difference by donating blood today and often to help patients like Juquitta!
Jett Bufkin: DW90
Jett is a bright young man who recently tested positive for the BK virus, which can affect kidney function. He has undergone a stem cell transplant and is currently awaiting stem cell engraftment, the process in which transplanted stem cells travel through the blood to the bone marrow, where they begin to make new white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Jett's treatment requires whole blood, platelets and blood products for transfusions. Donate for Jett so he can knock this virus out quickly and get back home to all of his friends and family!
Sarah Ginn: DV91
Sarah is a mother and wife that is living with Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA). DBA does not define her but she will need units of blood and blood products to sustain her looking at the long haul. Come out, roll up your sleeves and give life to Sarah and other Mississippi patients in need.
Nora Beth Hetzel: EL05
Nora Beth Hetzel is a resilient young woman and holds a special place in the hearts of many. Unfortunately, she has recently been diagnosed with E Coli STEC and requires blood transfusions to support her treatment.
Harper Shea Landry: EF91
This is Harper Landry. She may be tiny but, she is twenty pounds of determination, drive, and lovable mischief. She idolizes her big sister and big brother but, her very best friend is our family cat, “Squishy”. At eighteen months she is already the world’s best dancer and a true connoisseur of all things Pringle’s. She has been diagnosed with Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Let's keep this sweet girl smiling by donate blood and blood products!
Gregory Wayne Goldman EF96
Greg Goldman has interpreted for many emergencies in the state of Mississippi, beginning with hurricane Katrina. He is a second generation interpreter and a child of a deaf adult. His proudest accomplishments were coaching the peewee basketball and football teams at The Mississippi School for the Deaf. His former players still hold a special place in their hearts for “Coach G”. Greg is a giver, always has been. Greg is now battling AML, a type of leukemia. He needs us to all come out and give blood and platelets to help him and other Mississippi patients!
Swayzie Rae Gundy: EG36
Swayzie is a smart and kind 5 year old with a touch of sass. She loves her family, all things girly, mermaids and her golden doodle, Ruger. She is just beginning her battle with T Cell ALL and will need donors across the state to donate blood to help this sweetheart reach her main goal…to be a real life mermaid! Swim on in for Swayzie!
Kimberly Etherington: EF71
Kimberly and her husband Jordan are Mississippi transplants but it didn’t take long to become part of the community and members of their church family. Kimberly was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma which requires blood and blood product transfusions in conjunction to her treatment. Kimberly, like many Mississippians (whether born here or not) needs our help with life saving blood and blood product donations. Become a lifesaver today.
Amy Rice Gables: EG18
Meet Amy! She is a wife, mother, beloved teacher and breast cancer survivor! Students and Faculty of Madison Middle School even threw her a parade celebrating her being cancer-free!
While Amy is all of the above, she is now fighting another uphill battle.. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Some facing yet another diagnosis might feel like giving up, but not Amy! Her faith, love, determination, and blood products from donors like YOU, will see her see this through to have another celebration of beating cancer. Donate today and often for Amy and other Mississippians in need!
Kyler Hall: EG56
Meet Kyler Hall, this always moving 10 year old loves to fish! When he’s not fishing, he’s thinking about fishing. He and big brother Hayden are best buds and by his side you’ll find his trusty companion, his dog Roscoe! Kyler is missing all of this at present because he is in a battle with AML. He is going to need our help to win the battle and will need your blood and blood product donations! Let’s kick it for Kyler!
Jeremiah Funchess: EF95
To look at this handsome smiling face, you would never think he receives regular transfusions due to Sickle Cell Anemia. The worry when crisis hits is will there be a match for Jeremiah? That’s why we ask for donors to donate blood and often for Jeremiah and others just like him across the state. Be there for this sweet boy by rolling up your sleeves so we can get him back to being the happy toddler he is!
Patsy Carr: EF99
Patsy Carr is currently fighting large B-cell lymphoma. She is a 19 year breast cancer survivor who enjoys sewing, gardening, antique vehicles, and traveling. She is active in her church playing handbells, singing in the church choir, and serving on a number of committees. She has been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society since 2005. Please help support Patsy by volunteering to donate blood!
Bobby Rayburn: EG35
Always going! Mr. Rayburn loves spending time with his family, working in his garden and fixing cars of all types! He is using both blood and platelets and needs us to come together to make sure it’s on the shelf when he needs it! Let’s give for Bobby Rayburn and get him back doing what he loves!
Eleanor "Kim" Waldrup: EG75
Meet Eleanor “Kim” Waldrup!
Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer May of 2011. After intense chemo therapy and radiation, she went into remission! Four years later, the cancer had metastasized in the vertebrae. Earlier this year, the cancer had started spreading more aggressively Kim proudly says, "I am Courageous Pink"! Her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Kim and her family want to thank you in advance for your blood donations! Let’s keep going for Kim!
James "Baby Wade" Ricks: EH09
Meet James "Baby Wade" Ricks!
This handsome little fella is always smiling! His favorite thing to do is play with his big sister; they are best friends! Baby Wade was diagnosed with Craniosynostosis August 26th. The CT showed two premature fused sutures. His first surgery was September 12th and his next surgery is planned for December 2nd to remove the springs. Let's donate blood for Baby Wade!
Sylvia Purvis: EH34
Meet Sylvia Purvis! Her hobbies are reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and will need blood donors to donate for her now and often to ensure blood is readily available during her treatment. Roll up your sleeves for Sylvia!
Arthur "Bos" Stevens: EH33
Charlie is a larger than life character, always aiming to make someone laugh. His greatest joy is his family, helping others, tending to his garden and feeding every stray dog he comes across. He is currently in need of blood due to health issues. Please consider donating today, so that he may come home and return bringing joy to so many!
KK Aldridge: EH27
Coach KK Aldridge is the Head Baseball Coach for Northwest Rankin High School.
In 2012, Coach Aldridge was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He was able to have a lymph node removed with no further treatment necessary. In 2022, doctors found several cancerous masses. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy for B Cell Lymphoma. Donate for Coach KK so he can knock cancer out of the park! Teamwork makes the dream work!
William "Baby" Leverett: EH42
Meet William Leverett! He is a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoys spending time with this family and tending to his farm. He is currently dealing with health issues that requires blood transfusions. Please find it in your heart to donate blood, so he can continue to make special memories with his family and friends!
Keisha Stringfellow: EH38
Meet Keisha Stringfellow! In 2020, she learned she had Stage 2 Breast Cancer. Soon after, she realized maybe the reason she was faced with this battle was so she could be a testimony for someone else. She has a tremendous support system who continuously provides love and prayers! Keisha asks for anyone that can give blood, please do so with the understanding their donation is an important piece to a very complicated puzzle.
Symia Bailey: EH39
Symia Bailey was diagnosed with renal failure in 2019 and is awaiting a kidney transplant. Before her diagnosis, she was active in her community and career. Sadly, Symia now spends her time in doctor’s offices receiving treatments and procedures to help save her life. She stays optimistic and says, “I remain here by the grace of God.” Please donate for Symia so she can continue to lead and serve her community!