Manchester Man Thanking Blood Donors After Life-Saving Experience

MANCHESTER, CT — A local man will be at Manchester Memorial Hospital Wednesday to greet blood donors as a gesture of gratitude for a life-saving chain of events.

The American Red Cross is hosting the the blood drive in honor of Felix Cruz.

In February 2021, Cruz was recovering from surgery at his Manchester home when some stitches ruptured and he started losing blood. He was was rushed to the hospital during a snowstorm, where he needed about seven units of "blood products" to save his life, Red Cross officials said

Two years after that traumatic night, a blood drive is being staged and Cruz will be expressing thanks for "the selfless generosity of blood donors."

Cruz himself said he did know how bad it was "until I heard the beeping sound." He then said, "I died."

"Without the blood bank ... without the Red Cross ... I. wouldn't be here today," he said. "I was saved by a blood donation and I want to give back. I want to thank the Red Cross because what they do ... is big."

Here is Cruz's story:

The blood drive is scheduled for Wednesday at Manchester Memorial Hospital from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cruz will personally be thanking donors during the blood drive.

Donors can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.

All blood types are needed.

In Connecticut, individuals who are 16 years of age with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.