They say it’s better to give than receive, and I couldn’t agree more. Which is why I’m donating my birthday to the American Red Cross! In lieu of gifts this year, I’m hosting a SleevesUp virtual blood drive and asking friends and family to pledge to give blood between now and July 6th. The best part is that the USS Nokomis has a drive on July 6th at CONvergence, so that could be your donation!

In my 27 years at the American Red Cross, I’ve seen first-hand just what blood donation can do. It can provide quality of life for people who need blood consistently – often allowing them to participate in activities they could not otherwise do. It can keep patients alive while they go through life-savings treatments, like chemotherapy. It can save lives in times of emergences, like car accidents and blood loss during childbirth. There is no substitute for donated blood. It can not be artificially produced. Most people don’t think about the fact that it’s the blood on the shelves that is used in these cases, not blood that is collected in response to that patient’s need. This is the reason we need blood donations every single day.

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!