By: Gillian Janda, American Red Cross
 
There are thousands of reasons that people donate blood. For Tim Pavish, that reason came 34 years ago with the birth of his daughter, McKenzie. It was during this time that he saw firsthand how critically blood could be needed and how even a small donation could save a life.
 
“My daughter was born very prematurely,” Tim said, recounting the experience. "She had several complications and needed a blood transfusion in order to survive.”
 
McKenzie weighed a mere 1 pound 9 ounces at birth, which is significantly less than the average newborn weight. Due to her size, she only needed a small amount of blood, but the amount did not make the need any less urgent. Thankfully, she did not have to wait, as the hospital had plenty of blood on hand to give.
 
“The anonymous person whose blood saved my daughter's life has no idea how much joy their blood donation brought me and my family,’’ Tim said, ‘’We are forever grateful.”
 
With the hopes of helping others the same way his daughter's life was saved, Tim has been donating blood for nearly 34 years. He donates two or three times every year and has O-positive blood type.
 
“I recently learned that my blood is particularly well suited for babies in need. Learning that I have been helping babies — just as someone helped my baby daughter 34 years ago — fills my heart.”
 
When asked what he would tell someone considering blood donation for the first time, Tim emphasized how it can directly help another person.
 
“It's easy! And, it is one of the most direct ways you can personally help a fellow human being. The world needs more of that right now.”
 
You can donate blood and help others in need just like Tim does. To find a blood drive near you, visit redcrossblood.org. For more information and to see eligibility requirements, visit https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.