At the age of eighteen, I became a blood donor because many of my friends enlisted or were drafted into the Vietnam War. The need for blood was high, and it was important to me to donate blood and register as an organ donor.
I never anticipated needing a blood transfusion or an organ donor to save my life. Blood donations have been vital for my two kidney transplants, ongoing blood transfusions during cancer treatment, and other surgeries requiring blood transfusions.
Donating blood is crucial as it saves lives. It has proven essential in my life during my ongoing cancer treatment, where transfusions continue to provide stability and ensure a sufficient supply of red blood cells.
I was a blood donor during my 24 years of Naval Service. I continued for 11 years after my honorable discharge until medical conditions and health-related reasons prevented me from donating blood.
Hosting this blood drive is my way of giving back. You never know when you or a loved one might need a transfusion. Donating blood is a simple, safe act that can save lives. If you or a loved one benefited from the generosity of blood donors, please consider donating and sharing this with your contacts.