When I was little, I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to give blood. I considered it part of my civic and humanitarian duty. I was further inspired by the many Buddhists 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!