Virtual Blood Drive

40 Years of Life. 200 Donations. One Big Birthday Wish. ❤️ In the year 2000, I was in a serious skiing accident that left me with a broken femur and in need of surgery. During that surgery, I received a blood transfusion that helped save my life. Someone I had never met took the time to donate blood, and because of that simple act of kindness, I was given the gift of more time. I’ve never forgotten that. In 2012, I decided it was my turn to give back and started donating whole blood. In early 2019, I switched to donating platelets after learning that I had a naturally high platelet count and great veins for donating. Since then, donating has become a regular part of my life. I go every two weeks and aim to make 20–24 donations each year. I’ve always believed that giving back doesn’t have to mean giving money. Sometimes the most valuable thing we can give is our time. And in this case, something our bodies naturally create. This November, I’m turning 40, and I can’t think of a more meaningful way to celebrate than by giving back in a BIG way! My birthday donation will also mark my 200th donation! 🩸 One of my birthday wishes this year is to inspire at least 40 people to donate blood or platelets in honor of my 40th birthday! Less than 3% of the eligible population donates blood, and I would love to help change that. There are also people who may have been told years ago that they couldn’t donate, but thanks to changes in eligibility guidelines, they might be able to now! I know firsthand what it means to be on the receiving end of someone’s generosity. I wouldn’t have the life I have today without people who were willing to give a little of themselves to help a complete stranger. Now I get to spend my 40th birthday celebrating the very thing that helped give me more birthdays. 40 years of life. 200 donations. 40 people giving the gift of more time. Whether you’re a regular donor, haven’t donated in years, or have never donated before, I would love for you to be part of this with me. Because somewhere out there, someone is hoping for more time. More birthdays. More memories. More life. And we have the opportunity to help give them that. I know I’m So Damn Lucky to be here celebrating 40 years of life. And if my story inspires even one person to donate, maybe someone else will get to feel So Damn Lucky, too. ❤️