This year, I’m donating my birthday to the American Red Cross! I donated whole blood once 11 years ago, then I began donating platelets last year but it’s something I should’ve been doing all along. My biggest fear was always needle phobia however due to medical issues I got over that a while ago. Still not a fan, but I learned how to put on my big boy pants and man up! I’m asking all my family to join me. Put on YOUR big boy or girl pants and get poked! Whole blood is about an hour process from sign in to walk out, platelets are 2-3 hours. Everything helps and over the last year I have met people who were personally affected by blood donations. The need is genuinely great.

I’m hosting a SleevesUp virtual blood drive and asking friends and family to pledge to give blood in the next 60 days. 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!