The Blood Matters Blog · October 2, 2025

Addison’s Story: How Blood Donations Saved Her Life After a Train Crash

After 49 days in the hospital, Addison Butler is home, walking again, and sharing her story to remind others why giving blood is so important.

“We’ve got a good community that’s really pushed me to get to where I am today.” - Addison Butler

On New Year’s Day 2025, Claude High School junior Addison Butler’s life changed in an instant. After a night of celebrating, her truck became stuck on railroad tracks. With freezing temperatures, no phone, and no one nearby, she waited for help to arrive. Hours later, as she slept inside, a train collided with her vehicle.

Addison woke up in the hospital with devastating injuries—but she survived thanks to two units of donated blood flown in by helicopter and transfused at the scene. Those donations gave her a second chance.

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A Community United

When the call went out on the news to donate blood in Addison’s name, people showed up in overwhelming numbers.

“I was completely overwhelmed when the call went out on the news to go and donate on her behalf and just the amount of people that came there, the blood drives that were held,” Addison's mom Desha recalls.

Their generosity not only supported Addison’s recovery but also helped countless other patients in need.

The Road to Recovery & Addison's Message

Addison spent 49 days in the hospital facing surgeries to repair her collarbone, pelvis, and knee, along with internal bleeding. She had to relearn how to walk, step by step.

““I broke my pinky toe. Had some stuff wrong with my knee. Then my pelvis completely shifted. Broke my collarbone. Just the inside stuff, like, bleeding out and all that," she explained.

For Addison, her strength to recover came from her faith, her family, her friends, and the community that refused to let her fight alone.

Today, she's determined to share her story to inspire others.

Her words are simple but powerful:
“If you’re going to drink, don’t drive. Call somebody, get an Uber. Something. It’s not worth it. Keep donating blood and saving people’s lives.”

Addison’s story is proof that one choice can change everything—and one blood donation can save a life.

Make your lifesaving blood donation appointment today.