They say it’s better to give than receive, and I couldn’t agree more. Which is why I’m donating my birthday to the American Red Cross! I decided to start this campaign to honor my best friend’s son, Vincent Boog, who passed away two years ago this December from CHD. My friend, Chelsea, sat by her son’s bedside for 7 weeks while he was at Children’s Hospital in Washington DC undergoing treatment for CHD. She saw all of the different transfusions and blood products he received, and although I couldn’t take away the pain and suffering Vincent felt during his short life, I was able to donate blood. I have continued to donate blood regularly since Vincent passed away in hopes of giving others the chance to have extra time here on earth.

In lieu of gifts this year, I’m hosting a SleevesUp virtual blood drive and asking friends and family to pledge to give blood in the next 30 days. Together, we’ll track our pledges, cheer each other on, and, most importantly, provide a lifesaving gift for patients in need.

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. Please pledge to give blood today!