MELISSA'S STORY

When she was already 13 days overdue with her first child, Melissa went to the hospital to induce the birth. On October 9, her daughter Lexi was born via C-section and both mother and daughter went home in good health. However, six days later, Melissa suffered a postpartum hemorrhage that required emergency surgery and the transfusion of several units of blood. Only two days later, she had a second postpartum hemorrhage and a third two days after that. Every surgery required blood transfusions and by the time Melissa was out of danger, she had received 25 units of blood.

Last October 9, Melissa, Lexi and their family and friends celebrated Lexi's first birthday and the fact that her mom was around to celebrate with her.