Why I Donate: Student Stories
Donor Stories |
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![](http://www.redcrossblood.org/<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_ugc_picture" width="75" height="100" alt="" src="http://www.redcrossblood.org/sites/arc/files/ugc_donor_videos/dec26_005.jpg?1328855433" />) |
ClarissaNever taking NO for and answer.
by Clarissa
The first time I attempted to donate I was denied do to low levels of Iron. However, I was determined to donate even against my mother's wished and my somewhat fear to needles.I have always liked helping others, and the thought of me being able to save someone else life was as thrilling as riding a roller coaster for the first time. So during my senior year in high school I was accepted, and for the first time donated blood. This coming Feb. 14th is going to be the second time I donate blood. Hopefully they wont deny me just like the first time. |
![](http://www.redcrossblood.org/<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_ugc_picture" width="75" height="100" alt="" src="http://www.redcrossblood.org/sites/arc/files/ugc_donor_videos/dscn0721.jpg?1328850580" />) |
AkkinaGetting Out of My Fear of Needles
by Akkina
I have always been afraid of needles and because of that i hated them. it didn't matter whether i was getting a flu shot or my blood tested,. As soon as i would hear that i was getting a shot of some kind my heart rate and pulse would skyrocket, that is 'til i found out about some of my friends donating blood for different things...... I started to become obsessed with getting over my fear, especially when i found out my grandparents had cancer. I went from giving them my moral support to donating hair to locks for love to giving blood in high school. i thought 'if i was to make a difference in the world like my sister did before she died then what better way then giving blood to save lives?' so because of my mind set i started to get over my fear. now instead of cringing and everything skyrocketing i just grab my MP3 and listen to soothing music till its done. and i know that my sister is proud of me for saving lives with the blood i donate. I am glad that I am making a difference. |
![](http://www.redcrossblood.org/<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_ugc_picture" width="100" height="82" alt="" src="http://www.redcrossblood.org/sites/arc/files/imagefield_default_images/ugc-avatar.gif?1258078701" />) |
ZackMy Time Is Now
by Zack
I donated for the first time on 5/5/12, 7 days before my 17th birthday. It was painful to have the needle shoved in you, but you know, it is for a cause. Mine's giving people another chance at life. I still give. I recenly donated for my 3rd time on 2/8/12. I will continue giving until I can't give anymore. |
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Kristen"This one's for Kacie."
by Kristen
My sister needed more than a few blood transfusions 10 years ago when she was fighting a potentially fatal disease, fanconi anemia. When I donated blood a little over a week ago, I decided that every time I donated blood, it would be in memory of one the kids who had fanconi anemia and didn't make it. After the phlebodemist pulled the needle out of my arm, I asked her the oddest question she'd ever been asked: if I could take a picture of my blood. She looked at me strange, but held up the blood so no labels were showing so I could take a picture. I texted it to my sister along with a message that was only 4 words long: "This one's for Kacie." |
![](http://www.redcrossblood.org/<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_ugc_picture" width="67" height="100" alt="" src="http://www.redcrossblood.org/sites/arc/files/ugc_donor_videos/wishing_star_banquet_speech.jpg?1328196251" />) |
BrittanySeeing the Impact
by Brittany
I started donating blood because I see the impact it has on people's lives every day. As President of the Tri-Cities chapter of the Wishing Star Foundation, we grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. A few years ago I was delivering Christmas presents to one of our kids; a little boy named Noey. The excitement on his face was priceless, and you would never know he had a condition in which his body does not produce red blood cells. Noey's life depends on people donating blood so he can get continual transfusions to survive. I had always been scared to donate blood until the day I met Noey, when I realized how big of an impact I could have on someone's life. |
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WilliamKeyes Blood Drive
by William
The staff at my local blood drive were very helpful to me. I love helping people and so i made the decision to go and donate blood to my local blood drive. This was my first time and they could not get a full pint out of me so it cannot be used. But the lady who took my blood was very helpful and gave me some tips to get me ready for next year. So I will go next year prepared and hopefully they can get a full pint out of me. It does not hurt but for a second when you give blood and it is very rewarding once you do. The reward is knowing you are saving someones life who needs that blood more than you do. |
![](http://www.redcrossblood.org/<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_ugc_picture" width="100" height="66" alt="" src="http://www.redcrossblood.org/sites/arc/files/ugc_donor_videos/caroling2011-45.jpg?1327996429" />) |
ragenaThe Difference Between Life and Death
by ragena
I decided to start donating because of a tragedy that happened in my life several years ago. An ex-boyfriend tried to kill me and almost did, he caused my spleen to explode. That night it took two pints of blood to save my life. Because that happened, I was able to be where I am now. I have a beautiful family; three wonderful daughters and a wonderful husband. Since then I feel that I owe my life to people I've never met, so since I can't say thank you, I have been paying it forward. I have given more than two pints of blood but I just can't stop now. I have recieved a gift and I will keep giving back because the need is great and the supply is not. |
![](http://www.redcrossblood.org/<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_ugc_picture" width="93" height="100" alt="" src="http://www.redcrossblood.org/sites/arc/files/ugc_donor_videos/awesome.jpg?1327940738" />) |
GabrielleContribution to a Goal
by Gabrielle
When I turned 16, everyone told me that I should give blood because I'm O+ and it is always needed, but I always chickened out. When I turned 17, one friend of mine is the same blood type as me and she came to me and told me that if she does it, I have to do it. Since then I have loved giving blood. I have a goal in life to save and help lives. I go on mission trips every year to help change lives and to me giving blood is just another small contribution to that goal. |
![](http://www.redcrossblood.org/<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_ugc_picture" width="75" height="100" alt="" src="http://www.redcrossblood.org/sites/arc/files/ugc_donor_videos/145.jpg?1327859673" />) |
SavannahIt Saved My Life So Now I Save Others
by Savannah
I chose to donate blood when I turned 17 this past summer because three years prior I was in need of three blood transfusions because I had lost so much blood in a fatal car accident. I decided that since everyone had donated bood to help me, I would donate blood to help others that end up in my family's shoes. |
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SarahGiving Back and Giving Thanks!
by Sarah
I just donated blood for the eight time...I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to help save others' lives. My grandmother was diagnosed with MS or pre-leukemia two years ago, and her constant blood transfusions saved her life. At one point she was visiting the hospital every five days for a transfusion. Seeing her go through that struggle was hard on the entire family, and we were so thankful for the many people that had donated to save her life. She beat the odds for beating MS, and I donate whenever possible in memory of those who helped save her life. |
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