Celebrating Blood Donors during National Blood Donor Month

We are grateful to those who generously roll up a sleeve for patients in need!

Let’s salute the heroes who donate blood and platelets and help save lives this National Blood Donor Month. This month serves to recognize America’s donors and encourage more individuals to donate blood in January and throughout the year.

Get to know three incredible blood donors who help the American Red Cross provide lifesaving blood to hospitals and patients in need. We couldn’t do it without our incredible blood donors — we appreciate you so much.

One of the donors we are celebrating is Melissa Martin, a remarkable individual with a heart of gold. Melissa, a 20-year retired Army veteran and a dedicated high school teacher for special needs children, has significantly impacted her community in Simi Valley.

Melissa is a Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructor and a regular blood donor. Her commitment to giving the gift of life shines brightly. Her story is even more inspiring because she decides to involve her daughter, Rachel, in this noble cause.

Melissa and Rachel recently visited the Ronald Reagan Library to donate blood together. Melissa understands that donating blood can seem intimidating, especially for first-timers, but she encourages everyone to be brave. “The initial discomfort only lasts for a second, but the difference it can make in someone’s life is immeasurable.”

Melissa’s dedication to blood donation is not just about saving lives; it’s about teaching the next generation the importance of compassion and generosity. She encourages all those she knows to follow in her footsteps, reminding them that someone they care for might be the person whose life is ultimately saved by their selfless act.

Meet Jenny Mandel, an assistant archivist at the Ronald Reagan Library since 2013 and a Blood Services Liaison with the Red Cross in Simi Valley.

The impetus behind Jenny’s dedication to blood donation is a poignant story of personal loss. Her close friend Marilyn’s battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) highlighted the urgent need for blood donations and stem-cell transplants for such treatments to fight this cancer. Despite finding a stem cell match, Marilyn’s health had declined to a point where she could not undergo the transplant. She passed away in October 2014.

Marilyn’s need for blood cell transfusions and stem cell donations drove Jody to promote blood drives at nationwide presidential libraries, with four out of thirteen libraries joining the cause.

Jenny emphasizes the significant impact of a single blood donation, as it can help save more than one life, benefitting diverse individuals across different age groups.

Jenny now sponsors six blood drives a year at the Reagan Library, attracting donors from as far as San Diego, all contributing to the mission of saving lives in partnership with the Red Cross. The library looks forward to reaching the 2500-gallon blood donation target this year!

In memory of Marilyn and as a tribute to the importance of blood donation, Jenny’s work reminds us of the profound impact a simple act of giving can have—indeed, “The Gift of Life.”

Let’s shine a light on Dana Swan, a remarkable blood donor who embodies the spirit of giving and saving lives. Dana’s journey as a blood donor began as a teenager, and her dedication to this cause has makes her a hero in our community.

Dana understands the profound importance of giving oneself to save others. She has been a regular blood donor, generously contributing to the well-being of those in need. Her commitment to this selfless act is both inspiring and impactful.

Dana Swan’s dedication to blood donation is a shining example of how individuals like her can make a profound impact on the lives of others.

The Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage as it experiences the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years. Blood and platelet donations are needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures proceed without delay.

If Melissa, Jenny or Dana’s story inspires you and you want to contribute to alleviating the current blood shortage, consider visiting RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-Red Cross to find out how you can donate and help save lives in your community.

Stories written by Steve Medina and photos captured by Tracy Sebastian, Red Cross volunteers