“My mother was a lifelong O-positive blood donor, a universal blood type that can be used for many blood needs. She also shared how rewarding it was to donate blood to help save lives. In 2004, she received a “Champion for Life” award from the American Red Cross. When I found out she could no longer donate, I was inspired to follow in her footsteps. I began donating blood regularly and learned that my blood type was also Universal O Positive! It’s so easy to give, especially knowing how much my small gesture means to others and how it helps to save lives.

The next step in my journey was connecting with the American Red Cross to begin hosting blood drives in Underwood. I started in June 2019 and have hosted 31 Blood Drives, collected 1,270 pints of blood, and helped save over 3,800 lives, thanks to all of the Underwood Community and Gorge donors for Giving Life to those in need! The drives couldn’t run smoothly without our volunteers. Shout out to everyone who has volunteered their time, including Sue Gross, Kathy and Ed LaMotte, Lynne Pendleton, Karen Newell, Luci Walker, Pam Copley, the late Ross Bluestone, and others. Community support for our blood drives has been amazing!”

“Twelve years ago, we nearly lost a family member. He was undergoing a routine ‘discectomy’ to relieve pain from a ruptured disk in his spine. The surgeon simply cut too deep and nicked a major artery near the aorta, causing a big leak – bleeding.

Fortunately, rather than having this surgery at the spinal clinic downtown, the insurance provider required the surgery to be done in a hospital with a blood supply. Had this happened at the spinal clinic, my family member would have bled out (died) on the way to the hospital. I don’t remember exactly, but 23 or 24 units of blood and blood products later, the leak was found and repaired. My family member was saved.

A supply of blood and blood products is needed and used every single day. I could be the next person to need replacement blood. A friend or another loved one may be the next person who needs blood. This is why I give every chance I get.”