Virtual Blood Drive

I am hosting this virtual blood drive in honor and loving memory of my Nana, Carol-Ann Beckemeyer, who relied on blood transfusions most of her life. Nana was everything to me. She was my first supporter, biggest fan, the most loving adult in my life. She is also still my greatest inspiration. Carol-Ann loved to travel the world, teach French, play the tuba, piano, and even wrote a book about her travels in Scotland called, "One for the Money, Two for the Road." Nana also dedicated much of her time to organizations that promoted the importance of donating blood. She always reminded me, "you have Irish in your blood" and to embrace my scottish-irish cultural heritage, so starting this drive on St Patrick's Day feels especially fitting. She was one firecracker of a woman-independent and free-spirited during a time when women lacked rights and authority. I am like her in so many ways and for that I am eternally grateful. Because of her, I will never stop fighting for what I believe in. I believe she is smiling down from heaven and I will spend the rest of my life making her proud. <3