CVCC nursing student Zoey Rose shares her story to show how the generosity of blood donors gave her a second chance and why she is now encouraging others to donate at the upcoming CVCC blood drive on September 24th. 

Zoey was with her family at their cabin in the mountains of West Virginia when a grease fire caused burns across 30 percent of her body. Her father’s quick response, thanks to a recent basic lifesaving course, began her journey to survival. The nearest hospital was small and unequipped for her level of injury, but a doctor who had experience in a burn unit was able to stabilize her. Because of a storm at the time, she could not be airlifted, so she endured an eight-hour ambulance ride to Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh. 

Once in Pittsburgh, Zoey received the specialized care she needed. When she went septic, her chance of survival dropped dramatically. Doctors explained that without a blood transfusion, her odds were only 17 percent. The transfusion became her lifeline and marked the beginning of a three-month hospital stay, during which she underwent multiple skin grafts. 

During her time in the burn unit, Zoey was one of the few children there, but the nurses made sure she never felt alone. They braided her hair, painted her nails, introduced her to other kids, and even babysat her so her parents could have a date night. For a 10-year-old in an unfamiliar city far from home, these small acts of compassion made a lasting impact. Those moments planted a seed that grew into a dream of pursuing a career in healthcare.  

Today, she is not only a nursing student at CVCC but also the Historian for the Catawba Valley Association of Nursing Students (CVANS) and the Class Vice President for the Nursing Class of 2026. 

Zoey’s experience also gave her a deep appreciation for blood donors. Without them, she would not be here today. Since then, she has donated blood three times and plans to donate again during CVCC’s upcoming blood drive. According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood or platelets. To meet this demand, about 12,500 units are needed every single day, and just one donation can save up to three lives. 

For Zoey, this is not just a statistic. “Your blood will save somebody’s life,” she says. On Wednesday, September 24th, the Red Cross will host a blood drive at CVCC. By donating, you will be giving someone the same chance Zoey received all those years ago, the chance to heal, recover, and live a full life.