A local family has found a way to give back after a devastating accident in August.
Austin Sigg, age 35, received more than 20 units of blood after being severely burned on Aug. 30 from a fire that ignited in his automotive and tractor repair shop.
Recently, his wife, Emily, posted on social media a request for blood donations to the Community Blood Bank’s blood drive on Wednesday and Thursday in Iola.
“Such a quick thing can help someone tremendously!” Emily wrote in the post.
She should know.
Austin spent six weeks in a burn unit at the University of Kansas Medical Center recovering from third-degree burns over 45% of his body.
Family members rallied to Emily’s request.
Austin’s parents and brother scheduled appointments for Wednesday. It was the first time in years they had donated.
His father, Dan Sigg, tried to give blood about 30 years ago but was taking medication that made him ineligible. This time, he qualified.
“Come hell or high water, I was going to make this happen,” he said.
“I’m doing this for the same reason I’m an organ donor on my driver’s license. Everyone benefits when you give back.”
Jan Sigg, Austin’s stepmother, said giving blood helped her feel as if she was able to give something in return. The only other time she had donated blood was about 30 years ago.
Her perspective on donating has changed. She said of the first time she gave blood, “You think you’re doing a good deed. But you never know when you’ll need it.”
Austin’s brother, Ethan, who was also involved in the Aug. 30 accident, also donated blood last week.
“Any little thing you can do for someone else is a good feeling,” Ethan said.
