Growing up, I often went with my dad when he donated blood, and I admired his dedication to doing something simple to help other people. When I was finally eligible to donate, I jumped at the chance to give. A special staff member at the Warzel Blood Donation Center in Cleveland encouraged me to donate platelets or plasma given that my type AB blood means my plasma can be given to a person of any blood type. I hadn’t known that before, nor had I known donating only platelets or plasma (a process known as apheresis) was even a thing! I was excited for the chance to make an even greater impact, and five years later, I continue to donate plasma as often as I am able.

This year, though, I decided it was time to extend my impact further. That’s why I’m asking my friends and family to donate blood before the end of the year to help celebrate my birthday. The need for blood is constant, but the winter months put a tighter squeeze on the blood supply given that regular blood donors may be unable to give due to respiratory illnesses. As a nurse, I have seen the positive impact that transfusions of blood, platelets, and plasma can have, including for the children that I work with at Rainbow Babies. If you’re able to, please consider donating blood as part of this campaign–it can make a world of difference to someone in need!