In order to promote awareness of the upcoming 18th Annual Okeechobee Blood Roundup to be held at the Freshman Campus Auditorium on Nov. 18 and 19, we share stories of local Okeechobee folks who have received donations of blood and the difference it made in their lives.

Recently Dee Trueheart has developed heart issues requiring her to be hospitalized. She has suffered from a low hemoglobin count of under 6.9 that caused her to feel weak and she couldn’t breathe very well.

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. A low hemoglobin count is generally defined as less than 13.2 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter of blood for men and less than 11.6 grams per deciliter for women. In many cases, a low hemoglobin count that’s only slightly lower than normal doesn’t affect how you feel. A low hemoglobin count that’s more severe can cause symptoms of weakness and difficulty breathing like Dee experienced.

Dee had three blood transfusions over a three-week period before her hemoglobin level returned to a level that made her feel better. Dee is grateful for the donors of the blood she received and, if necessary, she will welcome additional blood transfusions.

Please thank Dee for sharing her story by donating the gift of life - your blood - at the 18th Annual Okeechobee Blood Roundup on Nov. 18 and 19, from 9 to 5 p.m. at the Freshman Campus Auditorium. All blood donors will receive a commemorative Roundup T-shirt and a goody bag.