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It was July, a month after my 17th birthday. Bored and looking for a quiet escape in the forest, I grabbed a book and climbed up one of the old hunter stands near my house.
It’s something I had done many times before, never thinking twice about the worn wood beneath my hands. But as I climbed higher, this time, the ladder gave way. In an instant, I was falling—fifteen feet straight down.
The impact shattered my L3 vertebrae. Surgery followed, complete with rods and screws to put me back together…which required blood transfusions along the way. But that part of the story isn’t what stuck with me the most.
What stayed with me was the fact that someone, somewhere, had donated their blood. And because of that, I got a second chance. From that point on I promised myself that I would return the favor.
For years, I couldn’t. Moving between countries meant I wasn’t eligible to donate. But eventually, that changed. The moment I found out I could finally donate, I didn’t hesitate. That’s how my husband and I started what we now call our bloody dates.
Yes, bloody dates. Every few months, instead of a dinner out, we head to a blood center together, roll up our sleeves, and give back. It’s become our own little tradition, a small but meaningful way to pay it forward. Because something as simple as 15 min in a donation chair can make all the difference for someone else.
Why Donate Blood?
No matter your blood type, it’s needed—always. Every donation has the potential to save a life, whether it’s a trauma patient in the ER, someone battling cancer, or a child who needs a transfusion to survive.
There are four major blood groups—A, B, AB, and O—plus the Rh factor, creating eight common blood types: A+, A-, B+, B-, O+, O-, AB+, and AB-. Each one plays a crucial role in saving lives.
O-negative is the universal donor, meaning their blood can be used for anyone in an emergency. Meanwhile, O-positive is the most common type, making it one of the most in-demand.
There are plenty of ways to give, from local donation centers to mobile blood drives. It doesn’t matter where, what matters is that you do it. I personally donate through Blood Assurance (Red Cross works too!), and if you have one nearby, you can schedule an appointment here:
Blood Assurance – Schedule Your Donation
Who Can Donate?
- Age: 17+ (or 16 with parental consent)
- Weight: 110 lbs or more
- Health: Must be in good health (a quick screening ensures it’s safe for both you and the recipient)
What Can You Donate?
When you give whole blood, your donation is often separated into multiple life-saving components depending on the need. Aside from giving whole blood, there are often options to give these blood components directly…making your donation usable, faster:
- Red blood cells – Used for surgery and trauma patients
- Plasma – Helps burn victims and those with clotting disorders
- Platelets – Crucial for cancer and transplant patients
Blood Donation Basics
- It’s safe, simple, and takes less than an hour.
- It’s a good idea to eat before you donate, but they usually have snacks to munch on.
- One donation can help multiple patients—your generosity could be life-changing for someone in need.
Let’s Make a Difference
Donating blood is one of the simplest, most impactful things you can do. A small act that means everything to someone in need.
So if you’re eligible, book that appointment, even if you’re not a fan of needles…I mean, who is?!
Just know that to someone out there, your donation isn’t just blood – it’s a second chance.
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