How blood donation helped Ashley Park beat leukemia

“Emily in Paris” and “Joy Ride” star Ashley Park can turn on the emotion in an instant — as only an accomplished actress can.  

But she doesn’t need to when it comes to spreading a message close to her heart: Blood donation helps save lives.  

Park, a survivor of acute myeloid leukemia, knows from experience how important blood donors are to people who are facing serious health challenges.  

Now, she’s teaming up with Abbott — and supporting her Big Ten alma mater, the University of Michigan — to spread the word about We Give Blood, the largest blood donation competition in a generation. Here is our conversation with Park about the power of blood donation and community.

You’re a Michigan fan — how’d that happen? 

University of Michigan is near to my heart in several ways. I grew up in Ann Arbor so was always close to the university throughout my childhood, and went to college there as a BFA Musical Theatre major. The university hospital and health system is also where I received care when I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2006.  

That’s a life-defining moment. Can you tell me more about that treatment? 

It was in December 2006 and I was admitted to the ER on the last day of classes in high school before holiday break. My main doctor was a Fellow specializing in treatment for children with blood cancers. My treatment involved multiple rounds of chemotherapy.  

I heard that one in four people going through cancer treatment needed blood transfusions, and I was one of them. During each round, I experienced complications and relied heavily on daily blood transfusions of platelets and red blood cells. 

That’s a lot to go through at a young age. What was your support system like? 

My high school friends and their families really rallied around me. They made a Relay for Life Team called “Shleydawgs” in support of me, since I could rarely take visitors or see them during my treatments. They held a garage sale, bake sales and a benefit concert that raised over $6,000 — well beyond their goal. When I was in remission the following year, we continued the team and we raised twice as much. 

It was during this time that so many of my family and friends became aware of the importance of donating blood. They learned how this could save someone's life.  

I imagine knowing someone who needed blood transfusions daily during their treatments made donating blood that much more personal. I remember many schoolmates and people in my community donating blood at Ann Arbor blood drives. 

What is your message to blood donors?

During my treatment, I relied on blood and platelet transfusions from people I never met. Strangers who chose to give a part of themselves simply because someone else might need it. Their generosity is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. 

When you donate blood, it may only take a few hours out of your day, and you will probably never know the name or see the face of the person who receives it. But your kindness becomes part of their story, and a crucial part of the lives of everyone who loves them. So from me, my family, and every person who has been given more time because someone chose to donate: Thank you. 

Join the We Give Blood Competition 

One blood donation can help save up to three lives. People can make an impact today and help their favorite Big Ten School by:  

1. Donating blood at any blood drive or blood center in the U.S. from now through Dec. 4. 

2. Take a photo at the blood drive or blood center or screenshot an email confirmation of the donation. 

3. Submit it at BigTen.org/Abbott or by texting GIVEBLOOD to 222688 (ABBOTT).