I started off as a blood donor to help people who are impacted by sickle cell anemia. People with sickle cell disease often rely on regular blood transfusions throughout their lives to prevent complications such as organ and tissue damage, severe pain, and strokes.

Over time, I became curious about other causes I could support and that’s when I stumbled upon platelets. I used to see people at the donor center sitting in the chair, covered in a blanket, watching movies. I was like “I’d love to sit still for a while and enjoy a good movie!”

So, what exactly are platelets? They are cells in the blood that help form clots and control bleeding. They are routinely needed to support patient surgeries, cancer patients, blood disorders and organ transplants. After a donation, platelets have a life span of only five days.

Donating platelets enabled me to give more throughout the year. Platelets may be donated up to 24 times in a year and that’s how I came up with this campaign. I’ve only completed 24 donations in a year once during my donor journey. And, since it’s 2024, it only felt right that I do it once again.

Now that you know the reason behind the campaign, will you join me? If you’ve never been a platelet donor, consider becoming one. If you’re currently a platelet donor, let’s shoot for 24 donations this year.

And, if you’ve downloaded the Red Cross Blood donor mobile app, click on the IMPACT icon in the bottom right corner, search for the “platelets24in24” team. I’d love for you to join my team and see what kind of IMPACT we can make this year, together. =)