• How one woman found her calling by donating blood to COVID-19 patients (page

A Universal Hero: How One Woman Found Courage to Give Back

Kaitlyn Seiler is facing her fear of needles to regularly give blood at Ochsner Blood Bank

By Anne Elder

When COVID-19 swept across New Orleans in 2020, Kaitlyn Seiler was eager to find a way to help. Working in close proximity to first responders in Ochsner’s talent acquisition department, Kaitlyn felt called to support patients herself.

Around the same time, she learned that a relative was diagnosed with

a condition that can require regular blood transfusions. Kaitlyn did the formerly unthinkable: she put her lifelong fear of needles aside and donated blood at Ochsner Blood Bank. All of the blood collected at Ochsner’s donor centers and mobile drives helps patients in Southeast Louisiana, giving Kaitlyn the opportunity to support her friends, neighbors and community.

“The staff was so supportive, kind and patient,” she said. “Once I trusted the staff would care for me and support me whenever I went in, it made it easier to commit to going into the clinic on a regular basis.”

During one of her visits, a phlebotomist even held her hand while they put in the needle. After learning that she is a universal donor with type O positive blood, Kaitlyn became a regular donor.

During one visit, she met the relative of a patient in need of a transplant who was asking

donors to list her relative as the donation recipient. Kaitlyn obliged. “I could see the stress and emotion she was experiencing through this whole ordeal,” Kaitlyn said. “It made me feel like I was really helping patients, just like I wanted to in the beginning.”

For those intimidated to give blood, Kaitlyn recommends eating a big breakfast, staying hydrated and openly discussing any fears with the staff.

In the future, an electronic records system that allows donors to give blood multiple times without filling out new forms will expedite the process. The Blood Bank Fund can help make this innovation possible.

“I fill out the same forms every single time, and an electronic check-in would make the process so much easier for donors and the amazing phlebotomist who runs the show,” Kaitlyn said.

For now, the generous support of blood donors like Kaitlyn helps patients through surgeries, transplants, chemo infusions and more.

“Whenever I’m scared or anxious

about donating, I remember that someone in the hospital is having a much worse time than me,” she said. “Because I am grateful and blessed to be healthy and strong, all I need to donate is a little courage.”

“Once I trusted the staff would care for me and support me

whenever I went in, it made it easier to commit to going into the

clinic on a regular basis. ” — Kaitlyn Seiler

Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Seiler

Photo: Staci Brimer

To support the many Ochsner patients in need of blood, please scan this code to donate to the Ochsner Blood Bank.

Glimpses

The Real-life Superheroes Supporting Ochsner Health

Ochsner carried out safe and fun special events this past season. The ninth annual Moonlight and Miracles Gala featured compelling patient and clinician stories, an online auction and the drawing of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC winner. With community support and the help of the 2021 sponsors, Ochsner raised over $1.6 million for the patients and programs of the Ochsner Cancer Institute. And at a vaccine event for pediatric patients, Ochsner staff channeled their inner superheroes to the delight of patients. Check out some of the photos from the events.

Alex Harvie at the Moonlight & Miracles broadcast filming at Caesars Superdome, which raised $1.6M for Ochsner Cancer Institute. Photo: Ray Bender Photography Sir Saint, Ollie Ochsner and Gumbo at the Moonlight & Miracles broadcast filming on November 5, 2021. Photo: Ray Bender Photography

Ochsner Hospital for Children providers at the vaccine event held in City Park on November 13, 2021. Photo: Elizabeth Burris

March 12, 2022

Louisiana Children’s Museum New Orleans

The fifth annual Red Tie Affair will take place at the Louisiana Children’s Museum in New Orleans City Park. The event will feature entertainment by DPlay and honor Christopher White, MD, MACC, MSCAI, FAHA, FESC, FACP with the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute Award of Excellence.

May 21, 2022

Mardi Gras World New Orleans

The inaugural Imagination Gala will not only celebrate the incredible achievements of the clinicians of OHFC, but also raise funds to support the patients and create innovative advancements in pediatric healthcare.