George Harris
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George Harris, California
He’s covered major breaking news stories from the Mount St. Helens explosion to the Loma Prieta Earthquake and from the East Bay Hills Fire to the riots in South Central Los Angeles, each a tragic event that resulted in several deaths.
But little did KCBS Reporter George Harris realize that he would one day find himself a victim of a horrific event that would have him seesawing between life and death.
“On September 17th, 2002, while walking across a major state highway in Union City, I was struck by a van,” said George, 55. “I had made it across six of those eight lanes before I was hit and sustained severe injuries.”
George’s condition was so bad that when he arrived at Eden Medical Center, Castro Valley, a priest was waiting to give him his last rites. Doctors told him his accident was supposed to be fatal as he had “bled out.” Among his injuries were multiple fractures to his left leg and wrist, and a badly disfigured face.
Fortunately for George, donated blood helped save his life. “I don’t know exactly how much blood I used,” he said. “But I know it was several pints and I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the generosity of blood donors.”
To all those people who fear needles or who say they have no time to donate blood, George said, “Get over your fears and go into the nearest blood bank because you’re helping people like me, people who are grateful.”
Story courtesy of Blood Centers of the Pacific.
