Anita's Story

“I’d be the first in line to donate if I could."

Twice in her life Anita Hoff has found herself in critical need of blood transfusions. Twice, donors stepped forward and saved her life. Now, Anita has become an advocate for all other patients - present and future.

As a college student, Anita tested positive for tuberculosis. In spite of taking medications to control the disease, her lungs began hemorrhaging. Doctors removed the lower portion of her right lung  - surgery that required two units of blood. Complications and more surgeries ensues. She remained in the hospital for five weeks.

After her recovery, life returned to normal until May 26, 1997. Anita was driving in Seguin when another driver ran a red light and pushed her car into a post, crushing the car and much of Anita’s body with it. She was airlifted to a hospital where she remained in a coma for ten days. She suffered traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures. Due to severe blood loss, she was given a steady flow of lifesaving blood transfusions for two days. The accident led to surgery, three months in the hospital and two months in outpatient care. At the time of the accident, she had been married only seven months and teased her husband about being tested on the “better or worse” part of the wedding vow.

Anita now serves as an active volunteer, including work as a disaster coordinator with the Salvation Army. At her church Anita heads the group  responsible for hosting quarterly blood drives. To encourage others to give, Anita personally invites members to donate blood.

She reminds them, “I’m not the only one who has received blood. Think about how many lives you could save. I’m a living example of what it can do.” She adds, “So many people donated for me when I needed it. They saved my life and have no idea that they did.”

The South Texas community also benefits from the giving spirit and tireless efforts of Anita Hoff to inspire acts of generosity in others.