One blood donation can help save up to three lives. That means a lot to patients in need, but it took on a new meaning recently.

Without volunteer blood donors, our story might have had a different ending. Help me reach my goal and ensure that patients receive the life saving blood they need. Make and keep an appointment to give blood to the American Red Cross.

In December of 2016, I lost my grandmother to lung cancer. Lung cancer was the last of many struggles she was faced with. It was preceded by breast cancer and a serious lung disease. The lung cancer was not discovered until it was already in Stage 4, so we knew it was only a matter of months. I was not accepting of the diagnosis and was furious that nothing had been noticed sooner. It was not until I saw her, for the very last time, that I understood how severe this was. Her face was pale and filled with exhaustion, her body was weak and thin, she was unable to walk more than 10 steps without being short of breath, and she would sit with her head between her knees in hopes of catching some pain-free breaths. The simple task of breathing was no longer easy for my grandma. 

I am asking you to participate in this campaign in honor of my grandmother, Josie, and for all others who are battling cancer. Not only does one donation save three lives, but it provides people with pain-free breathing.