Organization: American Red Cross
Volunteer Service: 20+ years
What is the mission of the American Red Cross?
The American Red Cross provides disaster relief, lifesaving blood donations, health and safety training, military family support, and international aid and support programs through a network of volunteers around the world.
How did you first get involved with the American Red Cross?
My father was a lifelong blood donor, and I grew up watching him give blood for others in need.
In what ways have you volunteered with them?
I’ve donated blood products to the Red Cross, including blood, whole blood, red double, plasma and platelets. I currently donate platelets, which produces up to three units in one two-hour draw. Each donation type is a step up in blood donation—you have to have the right counts to qualify for this type of donation. I am fortunate I’m able to give in this capacity but giving in any way is urgently needed by the Red Cross.
How much blood product have you donated through your service?
To date, I have donated 459 units of blood product, totaling 57 gallons over my lifetime. Donating platelets allows me to give more frequently, up to 24 times a year.
Why is it important to donate blood products?
All blood products used at hospitals and emergency situations come from donors. It cannot be manufactured, so they rely on donors to maintain their supply.
The platelets I give are commonly needed for cancer patients to give them extra blood clotting platelets since their medication often thins their blood. Giving them extra platelets helps them continue their cancer treatment process.
What is the most rewarding part of donating blood product?
Just knowing that I am helping someone through another day or treatment is the most rewarding part. Blood product donations can be sent anywhere in the United States, so your donations reach far to help someone in need. After each donation, the Red Cross sends a letter notifying you where your blood products were sent. I’ve helped people as far as Texas and California.
Can you share a memorable experience as part of your involvement?
The first time I donated platelets, I thought I’d never be able to do it again. It’s a two-hour process where you cannot move your arms at all—not event to scratch your head. I didn’t think I could sit still that long during another donation, but a few weeks later my mother became ill and was hospitalized. Part of her treatment was receiving a platelet and plasma donation. I sat by her side during the whole thing and kept looking at the bag. In that moment, I knew that was it. Now I do the best I can to donate as many times as possible to help someone like my mom.
How has volunteering influenced on you?
It’s such a feel-good experience and that makes me want to do more or find more ways to help. When I’m not certain I can find time in my schedule for the next donation, I remember how many people I am helping and on I go.
What have you learned about your community from your involvement?
There is a great need in all of our communities and it takes a lot of people to meet that need. When I am at the Red Cross, I see individuals of all ages taking the time to donate and it’s wonderful to know that we are all working together to make a difference for others.
Why is it important to give back to the communities we serve?
It’s your opportunity to help someone in need. You don’t have to know the person individually to be able to help—There is need every day and we all have the power to save or change someone else’s life.
How can colleagues donate blood?
They can go online or through the Red Cross app to schedule an appointment. The mobile app is easy to use and allows you to answer your pre-visit questionnaire right from your phone. Ten colleagues currently make up the “Associated Bank” team on the Red Cross’ mobile app. To date, the group ranks 994 out of 55,000 teams with more than 1,000 lives impacted by our donations.