Michelle Mullins
Michelle Mullins of Richmond, Indiana, has been a dedicated blood donor for decades faithfully giving to patients she will likely never meet. For years, her donations were an act of quiet generosity for strangers in need. But recently, a loved one’s cancer diagnosis gave her commitment to Hoxworth a deeply personal meaning. When her own mother’s life depended on blood transfusions, Michelle saw firsthand the lifesaving impact of donors just like her. Now, she shares her experience donating with Hoxworth and reflects on the profound gratitude she feels for the blood donors who helped save her mom’s life.
Overcoming a Fear of Needles to become a Regular Donor
Michelle started donating blood in her 30s. She admits she was fearful of needles before she took that first step to be a lifesaver.
“I was afraid of the needle and put it off for many years. I wanted to do something for other people so blood donation seemed like an easy way to do that if I could overcome my fear. After my first donation I thought ‘I can’t believe I worried about this for so many years. There was nothing to it!’”
A Mother’s Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment in Cincinnati
Michelle continued donating, usually at the Hoxworth Tri-County location. She remembers in summer of 2025 her mom’s health was declining. One morning her mom, Judy wasn’t doing well and Michelle took her to the local hospital near her home in Richmond. After running some tests, Michelle expected to hear that her mom just needed rest and hydration. Unfortunately, the doctors came back to tell them that Judy likely had leukemia, but they needed to send her to a different hospital for more in depth testing and care.
“After the shock wore off, we didn’t even know where to begin.”
They were given the choice of taking her to a hospital in Dayton, OH, Indianapolis or Cincinnati. Michelle says she chose Cincinnati because of her connection to Hoxworth. That very same day they went to the Blood Cancer Healing Center.
“I remember when she was in her room on the third floor, I looked out her window and I could see Hoxworth. It was a full circle moment for me.”
Michelle’s mom was given a more definitive diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. Her treatment included chemotherapy and blood transfusions including red cells and platelets.
“This process saved her life. She would not have survived [without chemotherapy and blood products],” says Michelle.
Blood Donation Saves Lives
Michelle’s mom will continue this treatment for the rest of her life. And while that is a tough life to live, Michelle explains that blood donors are crucial to saving lives for people like her mom and so many more.
“I had given for years, and I just thought this is going to a person I will never know. I will never know their story. And I always thought about it in terms of maybe this is someone who had a surgery and needed blood, or there was an accident. I never thought about in terms of an ongoing, life sustaining need for somebody.”
Michelle says she notices her mom has more energy and is more talkative after she receives blood transfusions. She’s thankful for donors from Hoxworth who provide the blood for all the patients at the Blood Cancer Healing Center and all hospitals in the Greater Cincinnati area.
You’re depending on the generosity and kindness of others. There is no drug. It’s purely on people giving blood whether my mom or others live.
Michelle Mullins
Michelle admits there have been times where she didn’t want to come in for her blood donation appointment. “Honestly before this happened there have been times where I didn’t feel like donating and I thought, ‘someone else will do it.’ But you are the somebody else!”
Can you take that first step and save local lives?