# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CnCdVipPyNh
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72591968-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/11e1f09879.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-01-05T15:26:18.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

“My son, Liam, was born with a critical form of congenital heart disease and has required several major open heart surgeries and related procedures over the years. He has about a dozen major cardiac defects, and as a result, only has the function of about half of his heart. Unfortunately, there is no cure for his heart disease at this time.

Last month, my brave boy had his fourth major heart operation to help improve his cardiac output and to reroute the circulation in his body. In each of these major heart operations, he received many Red Cross blood products to help him while he is on the cardiac bypass machine. Blood products are then given to him throughout these 6-7 hour operations and the days following the surgery to help his body recover.

As a former blood recipient myself, a dedicated Red Crosser, and also as a dad, I have seen the true importance and impact of blood donation.

Whenever we have to meet with Liam’s surgical team to discuss a new surgery and I hear the words that he will require an extensive amount of blood products during the procedure — this truly hits home for me, every single time.

Following the surgery, I have also seen the absolute difference a single blood transfusion can make on his body – looking at the color return to his smiling face, or anxiously looking at the vital machine next to his bed and watching his heart rate improve and his oxygen saturation levels slowly increase.

Without these blood products, my son wouldn’t even be able to have these complex surgeries. By giving just one hour of their time, these blood donors are helping to give my son the chance at a lifetime, and we are forever grateful.”

Brian Boyle knows firsthand just how life-saving blood donations can be. When he was 18, he received 36 transfusions and 13 plasma treatments that saved his life after a near-fatal car accident. Brian recently shared this heartwarming video of his son Liam with us, as Liam practiced a few affirmations before going into the hospital. ❤️ #StoriesThatInspire

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 200
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## Tags

storiesthatinspire

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