By Aleesia Benkey, American Red Cross intern

Blood donations saved the life of Nahal Sharifi, now she pledges to give back.

“If it wasn't for the blood donations, I wouldn't have made it. I am here today because of the individuals who donated their blood,” said Nahal.

On March 17, 2022, Nahal suffered a life-threatening hemorrhage two weeks after delivering her son. Doctors estimated that she lost over three liters of blood. During her time in the hospital, Nahal received six units of blood and platelets. Thanks to the generosity of donors, she made a full recovery.

“Donating blood is important to me because it can help save so many lives,” said Nahal.

On the one-year anniversary of her hospital admission this past March, she donated blood for the first time. Although it was Nahal’s first blood donation, she entered the Red Cross Laguna Hills Blood Donation Center with confidence.

“It doesn't hurt, and the nurses are so nice and comforting. They listen to you and your needs, and they are gentle. It takes only 30 minutes, and your blood can save people's lives,” said Nahal.

Nahal is honored to donate blood for those in need and is thrilled that she is eligible to do so. The Irvine mother plans to continue donating blood to give thanks to the donors that helped save her life.

She is forever grateful for the selflessness of donors before her. “Thank you, it is because of you that I am alive,” said Nahal.