The tough economy is not just hurting our budgets, it's having an effect on blood donations. A metro mother found out just how important it is for us to give.

Sitting around the table, making Play-Doh creations with her two kids, life seems pretty normal for Stephanie Rodgers and her family. But for three year old Ryann, it hasn't always been that way. At six months of age, something wasn't right.

"We took her to Children's Hospital and she was diagnosed with a birth defect of the small intestine," says mom Stephanie Rodgers.

Ryann needed surgery to fix it and a lot of donated blood.

"She ended up needing a full unit before, during and then after surgery," says Rodgers.

Today though, you would never know little Ryann was once so sick, and part of that is thanks to the blood transfusions she was given.

"It was a second chance at life. Without the blood products being available, she may not be here today," says Rodgers.

It's a reminder and a memory Rodgers takes to work with her every day. Her daughter not only survived because of blood donations, Rodgers is helping others live on through her job as a blood collector for the American Red Cross.

"I take platelets and plasma and red cells from donors," says Rodgers. "I'm not necessarily the person giving the blood but I'm taking it and processing it so those people can get a second chance."

It's why this week, the Red Cross is honoring its employees, like Rodgers, through its fifth annual blood collectors week.

"Every day these blood collectors come to work and the things that they do in their jobs are helping to save a life. What bigger difference could a person make?" says April Oppliger with the Omaha Chapter of the Red Cross.

A difference Rodgers understands every time she looks at her daughter, as both a mother and a Red Cross employee. "I couldn't thank people enough for coming in and donating."

Since her daughter's illness, Stephanie Rodgers has become a regular blood donor. It's a way we can all help, especially with blood donations at a low right now. It takes about an hour of our time.

To find a donation center near you, go to www.givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVELIFE.