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/005.jpg?1368042182" />) |
ErikaFeels Great to Help Anyone and Everyone
by Erika
I started donating when I was 16, at the end of my junior year of high school. I felt compelled to donate because one of my teachers at school was in great need of donations and the blood drive was in honor of her. I also have known many others in my hometown that have benefited from the help of donations from people like me. I even donated blood right before my senior prom, and had a huge yellow bruise on most of my arm. I definitely don't regret it though. I try to donate whenever possible, and don't plan on stopping until I am completely unable. |
![](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" />) |
Don JohnsonIt's pretty good!
by Don Johnson
I donated just recently and it was pretty good! Very nice to do something good for others. I will be back in 64 days when I am eligible. |
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juanyfirst time donating
by juany
i donor when i was 16 yars old at my high school blood drive. it was my first time donoting, i was so scare, but then i wasnt. when i thought about how many lifes i would save., and by friday im gonna donat agin and im happy about it. |
![](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/super_g.jpg?1367361392" />) |
WhitneyIn honor of SuperG!
by Whitney
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. |
![](http://www.redcrossblood.org/<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_ugc_picture" width="100" height="67" alt="" src="http://www.redcrossblood.org/sites/arc/files/ugc_donor_videos/photo_on_4-7-13_at_6.35_pm.jpg?1367267409" />) |
JaimieChange
by Jaimie
When I was in high school, I decided to donate blood to get over my fear of needles. Later that month I was sent a card with my blood type on it, O+, along with a letter stating that this blood type was always needed. Since then, I have been donating every chance I get. I also try to recruit my friends to join me and make a change. I love doing it and it's nice to know that I can make such a difference. |
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DerekMy First Time
by Derek
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. |
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CarolineLow iron? No problem!
by Caroline
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. |
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Taylor PolsterIt Turned Into A Game
by Taylor Polster
My first time giving blood, it was noted how quickly I gave the amount of blood needed. From then on, my dad and I would give blood together and have little races to see who could fill up the bag. It became such a big deal that everyone at the blood donation center got to know us and cheered us on! |
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EmilyNothing is greater than the gift of life!
by Emily
Three years ago the thought of a needle anywhere near me made me sweat uncontrollably. But today I am a blood donor. I've donated blood 3 times at my high school, and tomorrow will be my 4th. I'm so incredibly proud to be a blood donor, and I try to encourage whoever I can to do it with me. I believe that having a needle sticking out of my arm for 10 minutes is a hell of a lot easier than dealing with the death of someone I care about because they couldn't get a transfusion. Everyone should do it! |
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StephanieDonor for Life
by Stephanie
I have donated blood since the age of 16. Because I have O negative blood I feel that I can save anyone. Knowing that my blood donation saves lives makes me happy. I donate everytime Red Cross comes near where I live. |
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