I have always given blood because it made me feel like I was doing my charitable part for humanity, actually giving OF MYSELF. Last year my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and it rocked our family. My mom lives 2000 miles away. I know there are blood donors in her area that she benefits from and I want to be that donor that somebody else's mom benefits from. My mom is in the fight because of donors out there, and I want to do my small part to keep other cancer patients fighting.
I have donated 52 units of blood (so far).
I have no real riveting story or loud epiphany but I am a regular, simple, and dependable donor. The Red Cross needs people like me! I do it “because” it’s the right thing to do!! If everyone did things because it’s the right thing to do, the world would be a better place. I wear my Red Cross ‘red drop’ pin proudly every time I give. The people are great and pleasant and it’s always an enjoyable trip (even when I get a rookie phlebotomist - lol!!).
Mine is a story of gratitude. Four years ago, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. During my chemo treatments, I needed several blood transfusions as well as platelets - 8 transfusions in total. I volunteer as a Blood Ambassador now so that I can thank donors in person for saving my life and for saving the lives of other strangers. I am cancer-free but would not have survived without those precious gifts of blood.
In 2016, I became gravely ill with a life-threatening pregnancy complication. I lost roughly 40 percent of my blood volume. I received many units of red blood cells as well as plasma. Without a doubt, I survived because of the generous blood donations of others. I’ll never know whose blood I received but I am so incredibly grateful to them for saving my life. To anyone on the fence about donating blood, know that it makes a difference. This is why I donate.
Blood donations gave us the opportunity to love our sweet Carlos a little more. Thanks to our donors, he was able to fight cancer for over two years, receiving over a hundred transfusions in this time period. In his memory, we hold an annual virtual blood drive where we have rallied over 50 donors. We will forever be grateful to all the blood donors.
I first started donating as a college student in India. I still see and hear about the constant need for blood. I believe that this is the least I can do to serve my community. By God's grace, I have been fortunate to donate 26 times at the American Red Cross. My wife also donates regularly and recently, my elder son donated along with me. Thank God and thank ARC for the opportunity.
I give blood because I am grateful for those that gave when my son needed transfusions as he battled his cancer diagnosis. We are called to be our brothers' and sisters' keepers on this earth and giving blood is a way to put that call into action!
In 1988, I gave birth to my first child. It was then that I found out my blood type. I found out that by having O- blood I could donate blood to anyone. I wanted to know all I could about my blood type, who it could help, and how it could help. I had heard about Sickle Cell Anemia as a child. Two of my friends had it, but I didn’t know about the blood transfusions they had to receive periodically. Sickle Cell can be extremely painful. Now I donate my blood to help children with the disease.
I am 75 now and my past includes serving in the U.S. Army in South Vietnam in 1970-71. I served proudly and did my duty as required. One day the 1st Lieutenant turned us to 'right face', forward march. We headed straight to the Hospital Tent! The nurse stuck a needle in my right arm and drew my first pint of blood. I am now 75 and have donated over TEN gallons! I'm proud to be an American, proud to have served, and PROUD to have donated those TEN gallons of much needed type A+ blood.
I give blood because I love giving people a chance at a new life. Plus, I may need blood one day to save my life. You have to be careful about what you do and how you treat people in life because what goes around comes around. I give blood because it is in my heart to do so. I don't do it for any recognition and there are no cameras out here. I don't do it for the attention. The things that we do in secret will manifest into the light.
On 3/4/18, my husband suffered a devastating brain aneurysm. He was given at least three pints of blood and it helped save his life that night. I had been a regular donor prior to his rupture but vowed that night that I would try to give every three months, if my body permits it. I am faithful in going and want to help others the way my husband was helped. It was truly a gift. I thank God every day for the donors who contributed their blood to help save my husband’s life that evening.
I’m a monthly monetary contributor to the American Red Cross, mostly in memory of my mother (1917-2005). She received a plaque or certificate from the Suffolk County NY Red Cross for her twenty-five years of volunteering at blood drives. She offered comforting beverages and snacks to those who were contributors of blood. She was impressed by the goodwill she witnessed in those who made those contributions, and their ages, races, or ethnicities always intrigued her.
My daughter and her family were caught up in a freak tornado in April, 2017 that picked her house up from its foundation, with them in it, and threw it about 50 yards through the air. They were all injured but made their way to the hospital. The hospital called the Red Cross to assist them. We are so grateful they were able to provide them with new cell phones, a hotel room, and some cash and clothes. We support the Red Cross over all other charities now. Thank you, thank you!!
I started donating blood in the mid 80's. I actually worked in the blood bank at our local hospital but I had never given blood before. Some years I could not give blood because of medications, but I am now on my 11th gallon at 71 years old.
In the past 18 months, my brother and husband have both been recipients of donated blood products. I am so glad that the products were there for both of them. Donating saves lives.
My first contact with the Red Cross was as a MARS operator in Vietnam in 1968. We provided radio/phone calls to families in the US. Calls requested by the Red Cross had priority. After I retired, I became a member of our local Amateur Radio Emergency Services group, which supports the Red Cross as radio operators. My function is to keep the amateur radios at the Springfield MO Red Cross building programmed properly. Due to health reasons, I am unable to deploy but remain active with the radios.
My dad was a faithful blood donor for many years. When I was old enough, I followed in his footsteps and became a donor also. Soon it became a father/daughter outing. It was something we both saw as a worthy cause that cost us little in comparison to what we were giving. My dad received a pin for 70 donations over his lifetime and I am nearing that mark as well. I am proud to carry on his legacy of giving the gift of life.
My story is simple. As I see and hear of disasters near and far, I also see the Red Cross there as well. It is a joy to be able to help through a modest monthly contribution. Thank you Red Cross for all you do!
I was keeping a watch on Hurricane Ian daily and just could not imagine how everyday citizens will get through this. I thought, how can I help? Then I realized I had an old Red Cross card in my wallet so I took it out and made the call. I was trained, deployed and found my forever calling. I worked three shelters and did feeding in Fort Meyer Beach. I felt so proud to be there for the residents of Florida. I have often thought about them since then. I will continue to go back anytime I am needed.
I had been a blood donor for decades and then saw a news article about volunteering. I signed up and went to Texas. Baptism by fire for sure but I loved it. Next year was the Paradise fire and I deployed there. Every time was a learning experience. Then there was the Cedar, Diablo and others. Along the way I got hooked up with the blood delivery and take a shift each week. I still try to donate blood and platelets where I can. I most like deploying as I get to work directly with the clients.
As a kid I was always amazed by the idea of helping other people for no other reason besides it was the right thing to do. I loved heroes in fiction and I still do.
When I got older this is part of what inspired me to join the Army. After a while I felt like there was still more I could be doing, so that’s why I volunteer with the Red Cross.
This July I celebrate my 56th year as a volunteer with the American Red Cross. My story? A new officer's bride, at Fort Knox, 1967: Working at the post hospital, the spirit and courage of these heroes moved me permanently. I ran to help one who was in traction and jaw wired shut. Guess what he wanted? Help filling out a college application! Decades later during a personal challenge, I remembered that soldier and it helped! ARC motto is true: "The best job I never got paid to do!"
I joined the Red Cross in 2017. I proudly served and collected pins for everything I did in the Red Cross and decorated Clara Bearton with them. I joined the National Call team, an incredible group of dedicated health professionals that thrive on fulfilling the mission of the Red Cross to alleviate pain and suffering. Last year, I was awarded the Compassion Award. I enjoy my volunteer work with the Red Cross and I am grateful to the Red Cross for such a rewarding way to share my talents and energy.
I served 29 years in the Army and witnessed what the Red Cross does for Soldiers and their families. I retired five years ago and volunteered with the Red Cross for more than two years. I have been donating blood for more than a year now and donate to the Red Cross directly and indirectly.
I was a firefighter and I thought I should take the next step and join the Red Cross. When you arrive on a scene, everyone is crying and you show them you care. They hug you, cry to you. You listen and learn what others go through and it’s heartbreaking. Knowing I can help them get back to normal as soon as possible is a blessing to me. Hearing people laugh in their most difficult days is an uplifting sound. Them knowing there are people out there for them makes volunteering so worth my time.
I joined as a volunteer nurse of the American Red Cross on my birthday, as a way of celebrating another year of my life through community service. I’ve witnessed a glimmer of hope & joy that resonated on the people’s smile from a simple hot meal, clean clothes, hot shower, comfy sleeping cots & hygiene kits. I’ve witnessed genuine happiness in children knowing they are safe. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity of humanitarian service through the Red Cross.
I always told myself that when I retired, I wanted to be seen wearing a red vest helping people like you see on the Red Cross commercials! I was very proud to deploy to Florida after Hurricane Ian. I learned a lot, worked with some wonderful people, and got the opportunity to help people in need. Would I dare to deploy again, work long hours, walk 20,000 steps a day, and long for a coveted shower? Oh heck ya I would! I look forward to many deployments! The Red Cross is awesome in so many ways!
During Oregon’s 2020 fires, I saw 100s of Red Crossers putting their lives on the line to assist our state. I swore I’d find a way to return the favor. I have deployed with my service dog throughout the country, for floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, mudslides, fires, and even a mass shooting. I don’t feel I’ve touched the tip of the iceberg for giving back what I’ve received. I’ve made some of the most caring and amazing friends. My only regret is not becoming a volunteer earlier in my life.