SAN DIEGO -- A woman fighting leukemia doesn't know how to repay the people who donated blood to help her fight the disease.

"I wish there was a word that was bigger or better than just, 'Thank you.' How do you thank someone for saving your life?" Suzanne Penny told San Diego television station KGTV.

"It's just a simple thing to do, and people don't realize the effects they have," said Penny.

However, Penny's battle is far from over. Her doctors said in April she needs to find a bone marrow match in the next few weeks.

"You literally feel like you're dying from the inside out, and you're trying to ignore the fact that your body is literally being poisoned as you sit there," said Penny.

Already a breast cancer survivor, Penny educates people about cancer.

Because of her health, she recently had to close down a boutique catering to women with cancer.

Her new goal now is to encourage others to donate.

"It's such a small price to pay for an amazing result," said Penny.

The San Diego Blood Bank held a blood drive to help her. It is a vital blood drive for those looking for a match or in need of blood.

"You need to match six numbers -- in order for us to give you a call you have to have six numbers that match a patient in need. That's your lottery right there. You are playing genetic lottery right there, trying to find a match for someone in need of a transplant," said Penny.

It is now a waiting game for Penny, who said she hopes to recover soon so she could continue to help others.