Why I Donate: Student Stories
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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. |
![](http://www.redcrossblood.org/<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_ugc_picture" width="100" height="100" alt="" src="http://www.redcrossblood.org/sites/arc/files/ugc_donor_videos/new_me.jpg?1365562546" />) |
breanathe first time!
by breana
i started giving blood when i was 16yr. my first time giving blood, i was a sophomore in high school and scared to death of needles. i got in the chair, they marked my arm and i started crying. i was sooo scared and i almost didn't do it but i toughed it out and did it. i found out i was O+ which is a universal blood type. it felt great to know that i can help save anyone's life and i have given blood 3x a year every sense that first day!!! |
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NhiDeaf people are alway welcomed!!
by Nhi
Yesterday was my first time donating! It was amazing! The staffs was so kind and make sure I was ok. I didn't feel any light headed or dizziness. Most of all I'm deaf, they welcome deaf people who want to donate blood! They don't even require an interpreter to be there with you. I'm pretty thankful that I didn't get deferred for being deaf. They were soo interested in deaf people and their language (ASL). Before going to red cross, there was a blood drive at my school that was hosted by a medical center other than red cross. They deferred me just for not having an interpreter that were trained by them. I was so mad about that. Then I went to red cross and they were kind enough to do it for me! I love helping people more than anything in te world! It is great knowing that you are saving 3 people lives. I competing back to red cross to donate again in two months! I can't wait!! Thank you red cross!!! |
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ChristopherHaving Fun Donating Blood!!!
by Christopher
My first time donating was an experience that I will never for get because I had fun doing it and I am proud to donate my blood to people every six months I am going to donate because I want to save peoples lives and know that I am doing the right thing to do and I got it done at Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix, AZ and I am 16 years old and I will be doing it from now till the time they say I can't donate any more. |
![](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/312234_10150365477717607_403469820_n.jpg?1364920714" />) |
TaylorWhy I do it!
by Taylor
I will never forget the first time I donated my junior year in High School. I remember sitting in the waiting area nervous as can be. After they checked all my vitals and I was in the chair ready for them to take my blood, it dawned on me. The pain I was feeling was nothing compared to what the people who were receiving my blood was going through. I have donated about 5 times since then and every time I always remind myself why I am doing it. I will continue to give blood for the rest of my life! :) |
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AlyssaFirst Time, Feeling Great
by Alyssa
I donated at a school blood drive around Valentine's Day this year. I had always wanted to donate blood and I was finally old enough (the first blood drive my school had this year was a month before my 16th birthday). I was really excited to help people in need. I've since been encouraging my friends to donate at our school's next drive. It feels really great to know that I've helped save a life! |
![](http://www.redcrossblood.org/<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_ugc_picture" width="100" height="100" alt="" src="http://www.redcrossblood.org/sites/arc/files/ugc_donor_videos/4b71496aa7a1d266eaa647acedf5d3de.jpeg?1364847706" />) |
DarianDonating in the place of those who won't or can't
by Darian
I first started donating when I was in my junior year of high school. I've donated three times now, and I will continue to donate. Almost everyone I know is either afraid of needles or doesn't like blood, etc. I'm not squeamish at all, and my hope is to keep donating to fill the shoes of those who are afraid to. It is a cause that I can keep giving and giving to for no cost at all. |
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AutumnTaking the pain of the needle, was worth the warmth I felt in my heart.
by Autumn
I am terrified of needles, but when I heard about the blood donation day at my high school I felt the urge to donate. The thought of being a hero sounded fun. The day I donated blood I was excited but nervous at the same time. When they put the needle in me I couldn't watch, and just my luck they missed my vain. It took three different ladies to finally get it in the right place, but after that it was smooth sailing. I thought that donating was going to be scary, but it was actually one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. All of the workers were kind and liked to make me laugh which helped calm my nerves. It went by faster than I expected and they made sure that I ate before I left. A couple of weeks later I received letters in the mail which contained the story of a small, baby girl named Reese who is a Blood Recipient. I was told I was a Hero, and I felt like one. I will always remember my first time giving blood and plan to donate in the future. Taking the pain of the needle, was worth the warmth I felt in my heart. |
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FranciscaDonate in College
by Francisca
I first donated my blood when I was eighteen years old in college. Every semester they're having a blood drive and I had the guts to donate my blood. However, I had one weakness and it was...needles. I was scared of needles when I was little. On the day of donating, I got over my fear by listening to music and thinking of those who needed blood. When I donate the second time at the same place, I didn't eat much as usual. As a results, I was feeling lightheaded and learned my lesson on my second donating. Always eat more food before donating. |
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brookemy first time
by brooke
i wanted to give to i could save a life. also because i have never did anything like it. i was scared at first but at the end i was happy because i saved not just 1 person but 3. i would like to do it again. |
