Two years ago, I donated blood for the first time. My senior year of high school my good friend hosted a blood drive at our school for a service project, which raised awareness of the shortage of blood and organ donors. I originally planned on only donating once in support of my friend’s project, but following the donation I found out that I have a rare blood type. I was excited to learn more about how my donations could help save lives. This excitement inspired me to tell my friends and family about my contribution, which made for many interesting conversations. The most interesting and dear to my heart was the conversation I had with my grandmother. She shared with me that my late grandfather, Pop-Pop, donated blood for 45 years at his workplace, which regularly hosted blood drives. Learning that I shared this characteristic with my grandfather connected me to him and gave me a way to honor him, one of the many rewards of donating.

It has been 4 years since Pop-Pop has passed. This year starting on his birthday, February 16th, I am hosting a virtual blood drive in memory of him. I’m asking for my friends and family to make an appointment and give blood to the American Red Cross through a Virtual Blood Drive. It’s easy to find an appointment that’s near to you and every donation can help save up to three lives! The impact we can make together is the best gift I can imagine.

So SleevesUp and help me reach my goal. Please join me in #makepoppopproud by pledging to my campaign!