By Bruce Karnick and the American Red Cross

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Lives changed for many people in Hastings on September 3, 2021, when Anna Sieben passed away unexpectedly following complications from severe pneumonia. Sieben left behind many friends and loved ones, including her son Afton. One of Sieben’s many passions, a passion for helping others, is carrying on in her name from those very friends that look to fill a void.

Throughout her life Anna had unwavering passion for helping others. “She was 110% about helping other people regardless of whether she knew you well or if you were a stranger,” said her best friend, Alea Gaughan, who’s helping to organize the blood drive in memory of Sieben. “Anyone who knew Anna knew that she had three passions in life: her son Afton, living a healthy lifestyle and helping others.”

The blood drive is one way to honor Sieben’s legacy of making a difference and her passion for the life saving mission of the American Red Cross. The drive will be held on May 20, 2022, at Crossroads Church in Hastings and is being organized by her friends and family to honor Sieben.

Before Sieben became a Red Cross employee, she worked at a nursing home. “Anna showed so much passion for the residents there – it was her calling to help others,” says Gaughan.

In 2019, Sieben joined the Red Cross in the biomedical services scheduling department. Her spirit of giving and passion for helping others was quickly evident by her enthusiasm to host blood drives at several of her church’s campuses and volunteer at an annual Christmas Eve blood drive sponsored by the Red Cross.

“Anna was a shining light,” said Dee Carlson, manager of the scheduling department and Anna’s supervisor. “It was amazing to witness how she carried the mission of the Red Cross through everything she did. She made an impact on me, and our entire team, that will change us forever. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her – I miss her sweet smiles, her silly moments and her infectious laugh.”

In her short time at the Red Cross, Sieben touched many lives, including her co-workers.

“Anna was a beautiful person,” said Nicole Perlstein, donor recruitment account manager. “To me, she was a one in million type of gal! Anna deeply loved the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross, and I appreciated her passion to help in the community as a blood program leader.”

Along with all the church drives and the Christmas Eve drive, Sieben helped at other events like the Red Cross’s Thanksgiving Day drive, and she was a donor herself, continually encouraging everyone she knew to give blood whenever possible.

“Anna impacted so many lives in such a positive way – she taught us how important it was to give back,” said Gaughan. “Anna would be so proud to have us donate blood in her name. My wish is for everyone to gather to roll up a sleeve one more time for Anna!”

There were 12 spaces left at the May 20 blood drive and those are likely to fill up quickly, but do not let that stop you from giving. There are blood drives all over the area and you can always make a trip to the cities for a donation at the Red Cross. Give them a call at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a donation today. They can also help you set up your own donation event so if this inspires you to do that, even better.

Photo Courtesy of Alea Gaughan.

Photo courtesy of Alea Gaughan.

Anna Sieben, pictured with her son Afton, loved to live a life full of generosity. One big way she gave back was helping work, organize and donate at blood drives for the Red Cross.