Donor Stories

I am a CMV negative donor and like knowing my blood can go to help newborn babies.

I began donating blood several years ago at a time when my mother needed to bank blood for an upcoming hip replacement surgery. As the only exact match in our immediate family I donated two units as a directed donor for use, if needed, during and after the surgery. I did this same thing two years later when she had the other hip replaced. Both times the blood was used in her recovery and having it available was a blessing. Since then I have continued to donate on a regular basis and feel great about doing so. The thank you cards sent out indicating where the donated unit was sent and used is the best incentive I've seen to continue donating regularly as it really connects me as a donor with the recipient and illustrates the benefits of donating.

I began donating blood when I was 16-years-old. When I first started donating blood I did it simply because all my friends did, and I wanted to make a difference too! Since my first donation in 2011 I have donated 7 pints of blood to the American Red Cross. However, I donated blood on April 29, 2013 for an entirely different reason. Two days prior to the donation my nephew, Gavin was diagnosed with Leukemia. My heart was broken. My nephew was only 3-years-old! I couldn't believe that my little super hero was now sitting in a hospital about to under go months of chemotherapy treatments. I knew I had to help in some way so I decided to donate blood. I ended up donating double that day. I was an emotional wreck to say the least, but I'm so glad I donated in honor of Gavin. It's an experience I will NEVER FORGET.

On Tuesday, April 24, 2013, I donated for the first time in my life. It was a great experience from the friendly staff to the free cookies at the end. I was not afraid to donate I was just not sure about the whole process of actually donating. It was an extremely simple process that only took about a half an hour and made me feel great knowing I helped save up to three lives. All it takes is thirty minutes of your time to give someone a lifetime of memories they wouldn't have had without your blood.

I began donating blood in tenth grade at a school blood drive. I had just turned sixteen, the absolute minimum age to donate in my state, and was so excited to donate. My initial donation went so well that a few months later, I tried to donate again; however, my hemoglobin was too low. As a vegetarian, I struggle to have a high enough iron count to donate. I've had to work very hard to maintain a high enough level, but each time I swallow a gross iron pill, I remember that my few minutes of discomfort lead to an extended life for so many people. I am now seventeen, preparing for my fourth donation. I'm so proud to be a part of such a worthy cause.