Why is this campaign important to me? Because I know first hand how vitally important blood donation is and how easy it is to NOT know this.

My dad received well over 70 units of blood and numerous units of platelets while fighting myelodysplastic syndrome and leukemia. Each unit gave us more time with him and we were incredibly grateful. My brother thought we should donate blood to show our appreciation. I had never donated before. The sight of blood makes me woozy. I did it anyway. That first donation was 10 years ago. I still get nervous, but the momentary poke and 10 minutes with my feet up is nothing compared to what my father went through. I simply look away, chat with the nice phlebotomist, eat free snacks, and know I’ve helped stock the shelves for the next surgery, treatment or accident. I don’t share this story for recognition, but to emphasize my incorrect assumption I couldn’t donate and my prior ignorance of the need for blood.

Many people think they can’t give blood due to medications, fears, time or just don’t understand the great need. I was one of them. Don’t be the old me. Be the new me, especially now when winter weather is slowing donations. Be a LIFE GIVER! Get busy and schedule your first (or next) donation appointment today.