Today is my 115th birthday…well, it feels that way.  To celebrate,  I’m hosting a SleevesUp virtual blood drive and asking friends and family to pledge to give blood over the next three months. Together, we’ll track our pledges, cheer each other on, and, most importantly, provide a lifesaving gift for patients in need.

There’s been a severe blood shortage since the beginning of the pandemic, and things seem to keep getting worse. I haven’t been able to do much to help other than stay home, wear a mask when I go out, practice social distancing, and light up my house in green in honor of Kentuckians who’ve died as a part of the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m O-, which I’m told is a handy blood-type for helping out, so I’ve signed up with the American Red Cross to donate blood next Friday. My birthday blood drive runs from today through the end of August. I hope you’ll participate by donating blood.

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.