Megan Baker
On Mother’s Day in 1991, Annie Baker received one of the best presents a mother could ask for when she held her daughter, Megan, for the first time. While holding one’s newborn child is an awe-inspiring experience for most people, it was especially touching for Annie. She had complications during a previous pregnancy, and she was considered high-risk while pregnant with Megan.
“My doctor sent me to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria each month for a sonogram and amniocentesis,” Annie said. “During my seventh month, I went in for my amniocentesis and the fluid they drew out was so dark, it looked like coffee.”
Due to a previously undetected Rh incompatibility between mother and fetus, Annie’s unborn child was in danger. As a result, four-pound-two-ounce Megan was delivered early on April 17, 1991.
“The doctors told me that Megan would need a complete blood transfusion immediately after birth,” Annie said. “This was such a catastrophic thing – we knew we didn’t have an option, they had to do it.”
After four and a half hours, Megan’s transfusion was complete, and she grew stronger in the hospital for the next 28 days. Today, Megan is a healthy 16-yeard-old star athlete.
“Without blood donors, Megan would not have survived,” Annie said. “Now, I encourage all my family and friends to donate blood. I believe God only gives us so many heartbeats and we should do what we can during those beats to give life to others.”