Tag: health

Madelyn’s Mission:   Turning Survival into Service 

Madelyn recalls dyeing her hair purple a few days before starting treatment. It was a way of taking back control before chemotherapy, a flash of color and courage before everything changed. A few months before beginning her junior year at Watertown-Mayer High School, she was learning words no teenager expects to learn – port, infusion, transfusion.        

Madelyn, in the hospital with her vibrant purple hair — a bold choice before starting chemo, reclaiming a bit of control in a time when so much felt uncertain. (Photo submitted)

Just four days after her 16th birthday, she started treatment. While other teenagers were focusing on getting their driver’s license, she was looking forward to finishing chemotherapy that October. Soon it was homework and hospital visits, all during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

During treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Madelyn benefitted from donated blood to get through her chemotherapy.  

“Getting transfusions were incredibly beneficial for my treatment. The energy was back, and I could feel more like myself again.” 

Madelyn beams as she holds a sign celebrating a milestone hard-earned through courage, resilience, and hope. (Photo submitted)

Looking back, she says it feels surreal to realize how far she’s come since then. Recently, she reached a milestone she once only hoped for – five years cancer-free.  

Now a senior theater major at the University of Minnesota, Madelyn carries that experience with quiet strength and a clear sense of purpose. She’s using her story to encourage others through the Abbott and the Big Ten’s “We Give Blood” competition, a friendly way for universities to inspire more students to donate. At the University of Minnesota Red Cross Blood Drive, Madelyn had fun with “Buddy the Blood Drop” and inspired classmates to donate more than 100 units of lifesaving blood.  And this December, right in the middle of finals week, she’s hosting her own blood drive on campus. It’s already almost full. 

Madelyn smiles alongside Buddy the Blood Drop at the University of Minnesota’s 2025 Homecoming Blood Drive — giving back to the community that once helped her through her own journey. (Photo: Carrie Carlson-Guest, American Red Cross)

Madelyn is more than a survivor – she’s an artist, a leader and a voice in the community. Between rehearsals and classes, she still makes time to volunteer and share her story. What drives her is connection, that deep sense of community that helped her heal and keeps her giving back. “For me, that’s a big driving factor in any work I do,” she says. “So many people have been there for me, and community is important, creating community in any way we can is important.”

Madelyn and her friend Rachel smile for a quick photo in their Gopher maroon & gold.
Between classes and campus life, Madelyn still finds time to advocate for blood donation, encouraging others to give the gift that once helped save her life. (Photo: Submitted)

She knows firsthand that every donation matters. “There are probably patients who didn’t get it in time,” she says. “Giving blood is a method of creating community, and I don’t know that it’s always seen as that, but I think it’s a really important way of doing something that helps people.” 

That understanding drives her advocacy for blood donation among her peers. She sees it not as an act of charity, but one of connection, something that takes less than an hour and can change a life. 

Madelyn is determined to create community by raising awareness and closing the gap in blood donation. By sharing her story, she’s inspiring change — one student, one act of generosity at a time. (Photo: Carrie Carlson-Guest, American Red Cross)

Every day, patients across the U.S. rely on blood and platelet donors to survive – yet only about 3 percent of eligible people donate blood each year. Madelyn is determined to change that. By sharing her story, she hopes to close that gap – one student, one act of generosity at a time. 

“Creating community matters,” she says. “And this is a simple way to do it.” 

Roll up a sleeve to donate and help change a life, like Madelyn’s.  

Madelyn shared her inspiring story on WCCO-TV Sunday Morning – view here.
 
Schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

Because of Ryker: A family’s lifesaving commitment

Amy Slater’s journey as a blood donor began two years ago, sparked by a deeply personal experience: her four-year-old nephew, Ryker, was diagnosed with leukemia. Watching him go through treatment, she quickly realized that blood donation isn’t just a kind gesture — it’s a lifeline.

“Ryker needed multiple transfusions throughout his treatment just to have the strength to keep fighting,” Amy recalls. “That changed everything for me. I saw firsthand how critical donated blood was to his recovery.”

Amy stands strong beside her nephew Ryker, who is bravely battling leukemia. Picture submitted.

Since that moment, Amy has become a passionate advocate for blood donation. At Federated Insurance, where she works, she actively supports the company’s blood drives, held three times a year. She never misses a chance to donate — and always encourages her coworkers to join her.

“It only takes a little bit of your time, and it’s absolutely worth it,” she says. “The staff are so kind and professional — they make the whole experience smooth and meaningful.”

Amy proudly donates blood in support of her brave nephew, Ryker, who is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia. Her donation is one small way to help him in his courageous fight.
Photo: Sue Thesenga/American Red Cross

Though Ryker is now cancer-free, his journey left a lasting impact on the entire family. “I had never donated blood before his diagnosis,” Amy shares. “But once I saw the difference it made in someone I love, I knew I had to keep going.”

As a mother of two, Amy feels the importance of donation even more deeply. “I can’t imagine being told one of my own kids had cancer — and then finding out there might not be blood available,” she says. “That’s why I donate. That’s why I keep encouraging others to step up.”

Alissa donates blood for the first time in honor of her son Ryker. Right by her side is her stepmom Kim, offering love, support, and a whole lot of encouragement.
Photo: Sue Thesenga/American Red Cross

At this year’s Rock ‘N Roll Up Your Sleeve Blood Drive in Mankato, Amy’s dedication became a family affair. She was joined by her sister and Ryker’s mother, Alissa, and their father and stepmother, Tim and Kim — all eager to give back. For Alissa, it was her very first-time donating blood.

Alissa donates blood for the first time, inspired by her son Ryker’s leukemia treatment. A little nervous at first, she’s all smiles, proud to give back in such a meaningful way.
Photo: Sue Thesenga/American Red Cross

“I was a little nervous at first,” Alissa admits. “But it was easier than I expected. After seeing Ryker receive blood during his treatment, I knew I could do it and I’m so glad I did — having my family there made it even more meaningful.”

Their motivation runs deep. Ryker is nearing the end of his treatment. On September 18, he’ll receive his final dose of liquid chemotherapy — a powerful milestone for a resilient little boy and a hopeful family.

“I truly believe every blood donor is a blessing. If you can donate, just do it. You could be helping save someone’s life — it made a lifesaving difference for Ryker.”

Amy, Alissa, Tim, and Kim proudly show off their PEANUTS Snoopy T-shirts after donating blood — all Because of Ryker. This family’s lifesaving commitment is a powerful tribute to the brave little boy at the heart of it all. Photo: Sue Thesenga/American Red Cross

Stories like this remind us that donating blood is a testament to the power of family, community, compassion, and the courage it takes to care.

You can help save lives, too. Eligible individuals are encouraged to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Nolan the Heart Warrior: A Story of Strength, Survival, and Giving Back

Nolan arrived 2.5 weeks early, a healthy, 8-pound, 10-ounce baby boy. But within hours, the joy of his birth turned to fear. His mother, Sara Jutz, sensed something wasn’t right. Together with her husband, Joe, they pushed for closer observation. Trusting their instincts and speaking up made all the difference, that decision ultimately saved Nolan’s life.

Newborn Nolan made an early entrance, arriving 2.5 weeks ahead of schedule and weighing in at a healthy 8 pounds, 10 ounces. Photo submitted.

Doctors diagnosed Nolan with a serious congenital heart defect: a coarctation of the aorta, a narrowing of one of the heart’s main arteries. Just 10 hours after birth, he was rushed by ambulance to Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. At only four days old, Nolan underwent his first major surgery. Surgeons accessed his heart through his back and used a Gore-Tex (synthetic) patch to widen the narrowed artery. During that operation, Nolan received his first blood transfusion, one of many he would need. That donated blood played a critical role in saving his life.

Nolan recovered quickly and was able to go home on his ninth day of life. As he grew, his spirited personality and big heart, both literally and figuratively, became his trademarks. At age six, he underwent a second procedure. Since the synthetic patch placed earlier couldn’t grow with him, doctors used a balloon catheter to stretch it and improve blood flow. The minimally invasive procedure was a success, and Nolan bounced back to his usual self within days.

By the time he was 11, Nolan was thriving. Though he saw his cardiologist regularly and understood he’d never “outgrow” his condition, that never held him back. Active, strong, and fiercely determined, Nolan proudly embraced life as a heart warrior. He even led his elementary school in fundraising for the American Heart Association, raising more money than anyone else.

Nolan, Eli, and Katelyn were each born with different heart defects. Only Nolan needed surgery, but their resilience unites them. Photo submitted.

His journey is made even more remarkable by his family’s story. Nolan’s two younger siblings were also born with congenital heart defects, each different, each unique. While Nolan required surgeries, his siblings have not needed medical interventions. Doctors remain unsure why all three children were affected, but what is clear is the strength and resilience of the family.

The Jutz family has long been dedicated to supporting their community, but Nolan’s experiences ignited a deeper sense of purpose: a personal commitment to give back. Watching his mom organize a blood drive, motivated in part by her own father’s need for weekly transfusions, Nolan jumped in to help. He manned the registration table, witnessed firsthand the importance of blood donation, and knew he wanted to do more.

Following the success of last summer’s blood drive, Nolan and Sara set out to organize another, this time at Nolan’s middle school. They transformed his personal journey into a powerful mission to raise awareness and inspire others to make a life-saving difference.

There is a lot that goes into organizing a blood drive, but Nolan’s greatest test came on April 18.

Pictured with his parents, Nolan recovered in the hospital after a lifesaving procedure that required 18 units of blood – April, 2025. Photo submitted.

During what was expected to be a routine stent placement, Nolan’s aortic valve ruptured, triggering cardiac arrest that lasted nearly 20 minutes. As blood rapidly filled his chest cavity, his left lung collapsed. In an urgent fight to save his life, doctors performed emergency surgery, relying on chest compressions to place the seven stents needed to repair the valve. Nolan required 18 units of blood that day, blood made available thanks to the selfless donations of others. That generosity is what saved his life.

Incredibly, just six weeks later, Nolan was back on the baseball field with his friends. His family, still overwhelmed by that day, speaks of how the experience changed them. “When you hear ‘18 units of blood,’ it hits different when it’s your child,” Sara said. “You don’t realize how much one small body can need, or how vital it is that the blood is there.”

Just six weeks after emergency surgery and 18 units of blood, Nolan is back and ready to hit the baseball field! Photo submitted.

Today, at 14 years old, Nolan is more than a survivor. He’s a fighter, an advocate, and a leader. He’s a student, a friend, an athlete, a big brother, and a boy whose strength has already changed so many lives. And he’s not done yet.

On June 30, family and friends supported a blood drive organized by Nolan and his mother at his middle school. Nolan greeted donors at the registration desk before joining his siblings for a well-earned lunch break. Each donor received a copy of Nolan’s story and was encouraged to share it to help raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations.

On June 30th, family and friends came together to donate blood at the drive Nolan and his mother organized at his middle school. Their hope was to collect enough to give back, to pay it forward for the many donations that once helped save Nolan’s life. They collected 41 pints of lifesaving blood – each one a testament to the power of giving and the impact of Nolan’s story.

Nolan continues to raise awareness and encourage others to donate blood, to give the gift of life, because he understands better than most just how vital it truly is.

He is, and always will be, a heart warrior.

The Jutz family. Photo submitted.

Make an appointment to give blood or platelets now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

My Blood Donation Story – The Power of Red

By Mary Patterson, Minnesota and Dakotas Region digital communications volunteer

When I first started high school, a banner in our cafeteria for the school’s fall blood drive caught my eye. I wasn’t old enough to donate, and I wasn’t yet part of the student groups organizing it. By my junior year, all that changed.

In the fall of 2021, I joined the Student Council and become a member of the National Honor Society. My math teacher, Ms. Arnold, was the advisor for both of these groups. On the agenda of the first student council meeting was the topic of the fall blood drive. Ms. Arnold shared her personal story about donating blood in memory of her father, who had been a lifelong blood donor after receiving a blood transfusion following a motorcycle accident.

I had volunteered in various ways before but never felt a spark or drive to a specific cause. However, I was eager to complete my service hours, and the blood drive sounded like a great way to get started.

Mary Patterson gives a thumbs up during a successful blood donation – December, 2024. (Photo submitted.)

Having turned 16 in 2020, I had to ask my parents’ permission to donate at the drive. Minnesota is one of 37 states to allow 16-year-old blood donors! With their blessing, I registered to donate and signed up to volunteer at the drive.

I woke up nervous the day of the drive. I had made sure to sleep well the night before and eat a good meal before heading to school. But what if the needle hurt a lot? What if I fainted? In the end, I felt completely well after my donation. We wrapped up the day with 71 donors and 217 lives saved!

“Besides the ‘good feels’ of being a teacher, this is one of the things I am most proud of – teaching the next generation to help people around them, even those they don’t know, is so important,” said Ms. Arnold. “Donating blood is something almost everyone can do so I encourage all my eligible students to do it. I know some students volunteer just so they can get out of class, but hopefully a habit is starting to form.”

I was eligible to donate again at the Spring 2022 blood drive, no longer requiring parental permission at age 17. This time, however, I ended up on a mat on the gym floor, dizzy and pale. A few weeks later, a letter from the Red Cross arrived in the mail explaining that I had an iron deficiency and was now ineligible to donate for one year. While this did explain the drastic difference in my donations, I was incredibly disappointed, as I had just been eligible to donate a few short months before. Not only that, what if this deficiency lasted so long I couldn’t donate again? Despite this, I knew how it had felt to give my time as well as my blood, so I was determined to remain involved in the school drives, taking volunteer shifts during my lunch hour at the sign-up table and helping donors at the drives feel at ease both during and after donating.

From my first two donations, I learned three valuable things: I had a health condition, but it was treatable, and, most importantly, I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t tried to donate blood. I was committed to donating again: I adjusted my diet to include higher iron intake, got cleared by my physician, and fulfilled the one year waiting period, I signed up to donate again, and was successful! I was so relieved to know I was healthy enough to donate again, as I went into this donation attempt even more nervous than my first. Since regaining eligibility, I donate close to every 56 days as possible.

Miss Dakota County volunteers at the University of Minnesota Red Cross Club blood drive, lending her support to this important cause. (Photo submitted.)

In my first year of college, I got involved with the University of Minnesota Red Cross Club as a blood donor. In my second year, I got more involved by volunteering at four on campus drives in the fall semester. Then, in October 2024, at age 19, I ran for a local title to the Miss Minnesota Scholarship Program, through the Miss America Opportunity. As a contestant, I needed to create a Community Service Initiative to focus on during my candidacy and potential year of service. For me, it was a no-brainer: my passion for blood donation had only grown since I started. After seeing the critical need for blood in our nation, having learned from the representatives that spoke to my school and from Ms. Arnold, I was finally feeling that spark towards a cause. To run for Miss Dakota County, I created The Power of Red: Blood Donation and Blood Health Awareness.

The Power of Red aims to enhance donor accessibility as well as create awareness about the critical need for blood. This is accomplished through my social media campaign that features weekly blood drive locations, fun facts about donation and blood health, and provides resources to help individuals schedule and prepare for donation appointments. This platform shows the benefits to both the donor and recipient: the urgent need for blood is combined with the knowledge that donors receive about their health. My personal experience showed me that blood donation has benefits beyond saving others: it just may help you save yourself.

Miss Dakota County, Mary Patterson, shares exciting news on Instagram: she’s now a Red Cross digital volunteer! Mary is using her platform to raise awareness and educate her followers about the critical need for blood donations.

Today, at age 20, I am honored to share that I won the title of Miss Dakota County 2025 this past October. I’ve started 2025 by becoming an official American Red Cross volunteer. I am eager to take The Power of Red to the Miss Minnesota stage this summer and show this great state the impact we can make by rolling up a sleeve to give the gift of life! I will be continuing my work by keeping my social media campaign up to date, continuing my volunteering with the U of M Red Cross Club in addition to regular donation, and finally, hosting my first blood drive in early June.

I recently asked Ms. Arnold what she would say after seeing me go from a first-time blood donor to an advocate volunteering with the Red Cross, and raising awareness for this cause on a state level as a Miss Minnesota candidate. She replied, “Thank you! Any way to bring attention to this lifesaving opportunity is a great one!”

Blood donation appointments can be scheduled by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

25 Gallons and Counting: Larry Peterson’s Lifesaving Legacy

“That was good stick, kid,” said Larry Peterson with a laugh to phlebotomist Andrea Mason as she poked his arm. Larry came into the Wilmar Community Center to donate his 25th gallon of blood on Tuesday, January 28. The previous week, he had attempted to donate, but his blood pressure was too high – a sign of his excitement for the special occasion.

Dedicated blood donor Larry Peterson reaches his 25-gallon blood donation milestone on January 28, 2025, at the Willmar Community Center blood drive!

On December 7, 1960, Larry, who was 19 years old at the time, came to a Red Cross blood drive in his hometown of Montevideo, Minnesota, with his father to donate blood together. It was his father’s 10th gallon that day, and Larry decided to donate his first pint on the next bed over from his dad. Larry didn’t know it at the time, but this was the beginning of a lifelong adventure. Over the course of his lifetime, Larry has donated well over 200 pints of blood, with many of his donations being Power Red donations. Larry’s gifts of life have potentially helped save hundreds of lives.  

Larry’s binder documents a lifetime of giving. From his first donation in 1960 to his 25th gallon milestone — each article, letter, and card tells the story of a life dedicated to saving others.
(Photo by Red Cross volunteer Nate Russell.)

He carries a binder with him that contains newspaper articles detailing his blood donation, letters of notification for when his blood was used to save a life, and his blood donor cards dating back to the very first one in 1960. Now it has a new front page, which is his certificate congratulating him on reaching his 25th gallon milestone. 

Larry Peterson proudly marks his 25-gallon blood donation milestone with his Certificate of Appreciation now gracing the first page of his remarkable journey.
(Photo by Red Cross volunteer Nate Russell.)

Larry’s blood type is O negative, which is the most universal blood type – which can be transfused to anyone. It is often used in emergencies, trauma and surgery when a patient’s blood type is unknown.

Larry plans to continue donating lifesaving blood for many more years and many more gallons to come. And as it happens, his son is also O negative, so the family tradition of saving lives can continue.

Larry Peterson celebrates his 25th gallon of blood donated at the Wilmar Community Center on Tuesday, January 28 — honoring a lifetime of giving and saving lives.
(Photo by Red Cross volunteer Nate Russell.)

To learn more about donating Type O blood, click here. 

Story by American Red Cross volunteer Nate Russell.

Discovery of his rare blood type leads Pastor Riley to join the Red Cross mission

Originally published on the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region blog January 17, 2025 – by Michelle Limpe (American Red Cross communications volunteer).

As the largest non-profit humanitarian international organization, the American Red Cross unites volunteers globally in a common mission of service to others — a mission that blood donor Frank Riley strongly believes in. From his time serving in the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps to serving his communities as a pastor, Frank has made it a priority to live out the Red Cross mission in every aspect of his life.

Pastor Riley praying over a wounded service member in Afghanistan.
Photo courtesy of Frank Riley

Frank has been a consistent blood donor since 2008 after learning that he has cytomegalovirus (CMV) negative blood, a rare blood type needed by premature babies and children with weakened immune systems. He was informed of his rare blood type during his first donation at a drive hosted by the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

“I didn’t know about my blood type before,” he said. “When I got my donation card back, they said you’re CMV negative and that means my blood can help premature babies and kids who are fighting cancer. I realized that while my A+ blood was common, having CMV negative blood made me a part of less than 15% of the population.”

CMV is a very contagious, flu-like virus that can be deadly for babies and those who are immunocompromised. For babies with serious cases of CMV, some of the symptoms include premature birth, low birthweight and developmental conditions. While most adults who are infected with CMV have mild to no symptoms, they end up with CMV positive blood after their bodies develop the antibodies against the virus.

Those who have never caught CMV, like Frank, are considered to have CMV negative blood. Babies who need blood transfusions should only receive CMV negative blood, since their immune systems are not strong enough to fight the virus.

“I donated for the first time because I heard of a blood shortage at the children’s hospital,” Frank said. “Of course, I was kicking myself afterwards that I hadn’t started much earlier in my life, especially having CMV negative blood, but hey we start where we are.”

Since then, Frank has continued to donate blood wherever his life has taken him. While he was serving as a pastor of Grace Hill Church in Morgan Hill, Frank would donate blood regularly through Red Cross blood drives.

Recently, he moved to Minnesota and became the new pastor of Excelsior Covenant Church. In his new community, it is even easier for Frank to donate since the Red Cross has been running their blood drives at his church.

“As I give blood, I realize that I’m giving blood to people that I love in my community and people I haven’t met yet. It could be that today my blood is needed for somebody that I desperately care about,” Frank said. “As a Christian, which I am, there’s a reminder for me that centuries ago someone gave His blood for me. Keeping with my own Christian faith, I too have the ability to give blood for others. It doesn’t have the same impact, yet it is lifesaving.”

During his 18 years serving in the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps, Frank experienced firsthand the lifesaving potential of blood donations. He has been deployed a few times internationally serving marines and sailors.

Upon reflecting on his deployment, he recalled a particular memory in Ghanzi, Afghanistan that impacted his perception of donating blood.

“A terribly wounded service member was coming in and there was a need for blood. Throughout the operating base, the call went out over loudspeakers and everywhere for people with a certain type of blood. I watched as people ran from different parts of the base to get there ahead of the helicopter evacuation. It was desperate. It was urgent. It was in the moment. That was somebody that was coming in now,” Frank said. “I realized that while I might be more distant from it in my donations here, it is no less imminent for the family and loved ones that are hoping. The urgency is always there.”

As a non-combatant in the military, Frank’s military identification carried the Red Cross symbol on it. He highlighted that the Red Cross was very active throughout the combat area as a resource.

“There are these emotional ties. Part of that impact was coming back and continuing that partnership. In some ways, I was even carrying the symbol of the Red Cross with me wherever I went, even on my uniform, as I struggled to serve the country,” he said.

As a proud representative of the Red Cross, Frank continues to advocate to his family, friends and congregation on the importance of donating blood.

Frank affirmed his dedication to partnering with the Red Cross to continue providing blood drives at his church. He also shares images of himself donating on his social media pages as a way of encouraging others.

“It’s important, and I don’t hesitate to talk to people about it. My encouragement would be to understand this: You’re potentially about to save a life. You’re about to make a difference in ways that most people never do,” he said. “My encouragement to you is to overcome fear, to overcome anxiety, take a deep breath and try and give at least once. A lot of times, it’s that first barrier that keeps us from giving.”

According to Frank, everyone who plays a role in the blood donation process is joined by their belief and commitment to the Red Cross mission. He calls on more people to join the mission and share their gifts with those in need. “As you come to a drive, the volunteers andthe phlebotomists are there taking your blood and welcoming you warmly. You are in a room where every person is dedicated to saving other lives. How many rooms do you enter where all of you are part of that?” he said. “You might be a stranger giving blood across from me, but we’re in mission together. You might be the one checking me in and taking my blood, but we’re in mission together. Even if you’re the person offering cookies, we’re in mission together. Every person is dedicated to saving lives, and that’s a rare thing.”

Learn more about the importance and need for CMV negative blood here and make your appointment to donate blood like Frank here: redcrossblood.org.

Three Heroes of Compassion: Rebekah, Sharon, and Tracy – Blood Donors Making a Difference

At Sabathani Community Center, three remarkable women – Rebekah, Sharon, and Tracy – recently stepped up to give the gift of life, each with a personal story and a shared mission: to make a difference in the lives of those in need of blood donations.

Rebekah: Leading by Example

As the Community Health Navigator at Sabathani, Rebekah is no stranger to encouraging others to take action for their health and well-being. When the call went out for blood donations, she knew she couldn’t ask others to do something she wasn’t willing to do herself.

Leading by example, Rebekah rolls up a sleeve for the first time at Sabathani Community Center’s first blood drive.

“I believe in leading by example,” she said, reflecting on her decision to donate. Despite some initial nerves, Rebekah’s jitters were quickly put to rest by the phlebotomist, who guided her through the process with care and ease.

What made her donation even more meaningful was her understanding of the critical role blood transfusions play for patients, particularly those with sickle cell disease. While sickle cell hadn’t personally impacted her family, Rebekah felt deeply passionate about the cause, especially when considering the importance of matching ethnicities in blood donations for those affected by the disease.

Sharon: Returning to a Lifesaving Tradition

Sharon, a former Red Crosser, hadn’t donated blood in several years, but when her niece Rebekah called on her to help with the drive, she knew it was time to get back into the fold. Sharon’s return to the blood donation chair wasn’t just a personal milestone, it was a heartfelt way to support her community.

Former Red Crosser and blood donor, Sharon, returned to donating blood at the Sabathani Community Center’s blood drive, November 11, 2024.

“I knew it was time,” Sharon shared. “When Rebekah reached out, I couldn’t say no. It feels good to be able to help others in such a simple yet profound way.”

Her decision to donate wasn’t just about family – it was about making a difference in her community and giving back to a cause that had always been close to her heart.

Tracy: From Volunteer to First-Time Donor

Tracy’s story is one of transformation and inspiration. She began as a volunteer at Sabathani’s blood drive, helping organize and assist others who came to donate. But today, she took the next step: she became a first-time blood donor herself.

Tracy donates blood for the first time and encourages others to roll up a sleeve.

Tracy’s mantra that is etched on her arm, “Each day is a gift,” is a reminder to live life with gratitude and purpose – and today, she was able to share that gift of life by donating blood.

“I want to encourage others to donate too,” Tracy said with a smile. “It doesn’t take long, and you’re helping save lives. If more people knew how easy it is, we’d have more donors for sure!”

A Community Coming Together

These three incredible women – Rebekah, Sharon, and Tracy – show us the power of compassion and the difference one person can make in the lives of others. Their stories are a testament to the power of community, the importance of blood donation, and the lives that can be saved with a simple act of kindness.

A heartfelt thanks goes to Sabathani Community Center for organizing their very first blood drive and for continuing to raise awareness about the critical need for blood donations. Together, we can ensure that patients with sickle cell disease and others in need of transfusions have access to this life-saving resource.

Here’s to many more inspiring stories and to the continued partnership with Sabathani, as we work together to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our community.

Visit here to learn more about the importance of a diverse blood supply here.

5 Red Cross Resolutions you can do in ONE hour (or less)

As we step into a new year, many of us are looking for ways to make a positive impact in our lives and the lives of others. The American Red Cross offers a variety of quick and meaningful ways to make a difference. Here are five resolutions you can accomplish in one hour or less, not only benefiting those in need but also enhancing your own well-being.

Cassie and Ben, parents of 3-year-old Oliver who is battling kidney cancer, recently rolled up a sleeve at a blood drive held in their son’s honor. Oliver has needed multiple blood transfusions during his treatment so they are helping pay it forward. Every donation helps patients like Oliver.
  1. Donate Blood
    One of the most significant contributions you can make is donating blood – and it’s simple. In just about one hour, you can make a real difference in the lives of patients requiring life-saving transfusions. It may be the only resolution that includes cookies. Schedule on our free app and follow your blood donation’s journey every step of the way as it makes its way to a hospital to help patients in need.

  2. Learn Hands-Only CPR Learning hands-only CPR is a quick, vital skill that could save a life. The Red Cross offers online resources and local classes that can teach you this life-saving technique in under 30 minutes. By knowing how to perform hands-only CPR, you can help keep a person alive until professional help arrives. Bonus: have fun practicing the rhythm by checking out these “Next Gen Life Beats” friends at the Australian Red Cross. And yes, it includes a Taylor Swift song.

  3. Check Smoke Alarms and Practice an Escape Plan
    Ensuring your home is prepared for emergencies is crucial. Take a few minutes to test your smoke alarms and replace any batteries if needed. Then, spend some time with those you live with drafting and practicing a home escape plan. Knowing what to do in the event of a fire can significantly increase your chances of safely escaping.  And you probably haven’t checked your smoke alarms since last time you burnt pizza. Check out how-to videos and other resources at SoundTheAlarm.org/MNDAKS.

  4. Find your Fit, Take the Volunteer Quiz
    The American Red Cross depends on volunteers to carry out its humanitarian work. In less than an hour, you can explore various opportunities online and sign up for something that resonates with your skills and interests. Whether it’s assisting at a local blood drive, helping with disaster response, or supporting military families, your time and effort can make a huge impact. Punch in your zip, take a our quick quiz and we’ll match you up with cool opportunities near you.

  5.  Make a Gift in Someone’s Honor
    Making a charitable donation in honor of a loved one is a meaningful way to recognize special occasions. It’s a simple process that takes just a few minutes online. Your gift can support various Red Cross initiatives, from disaster relief to supporting military families, and it’s a beautiful way to spread kindness and compassion. Bonus, warm and fuzzy feelings for you and them. Visit RedCross.org/MNDAKS to make a gift.

As you consider your resolutions for the year, remember that even the smallest acts can have a significant impact. By dedicating an hour or less to any of these Red Cross activities, you’re not only helping others but also fostering your own health and happiness*.

Here’s to a year filled with kindness, compassion, and community support!

For more resolution ideas, RedCross.org/MNDAKS

*From the Mayo Clinic Health System, “Kindness has been shown to. increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood. It can decrease blood pressure and cortisol, a hormone directly correlated with stress levels. People who give of themselves in a balanced way also tend to be healthier and live longer.”

Practice Makes Prepared for Red Cross NAT Students

Our Nurse Assistant Training students are buzzing around the American Red Cross Twin Cities Area Chapter these days demonstrating their skills before clinical practice. There’s a ton-o-stuff they need to have down so that their future patients will be well cared for!Click here to learn more about our Nurse Assistant Training (NAT) program and the upcoming class schedule.