They say it’s better to give than receive, which is why I’m donating my birthday to the American Red Cross!

I’m hosting a SleevesUp virtual blood drive and asking friends and family to pledge to give blood before the end of 2019. Together, we’ll track our pledges, cheer each other on, and, most importantly, provide a lifesaving gift for patients in need.

To get started, make your pledge by clicking the red button above, and then visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your donation appointment. You can give at a locally hosted blood drive or at a permanent Red Cross blood donation center.

The impact we can make together is the best gift I can imagine! Thanks for helping celebrate my birthday and for helping save patient lives with your generous gift. Please pledge to give blood today!

When I was little, I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to give blood. I have always considered it part of my civic and humanitarian duty. I was further inspired by the many Buddhists I met in Taiwan and the PRC who made giving blood a part of their practice of compassion. Giving blood goes against some very strong cultural norms in Chinese society, and I admire these people and Buddhist organizations for their dedication and advocacy. I try to give blood about 4 times a year, but lately I have had to cut back due to health reasons. I hope that some of you, my friends and family, might join my birthday “Sleeves Up” blood donation effort to help make up for my reduction in donations. Maybe it will even start at tradition for someone else!

Let me know if you have any questions about giving blood or want to coordinate on going to a drive together! I’m pledging to donate once more this year myself.