“I have been donating blood since I was in college (at UVA) in the 1980s. For a while I also donated platelets — a co-worker's son had cancer and that opened my eyes to the donation process. But back to blood donation: it's easy, painless, costs nothing but a bit of time, and I feel it's something I should do to help others. I wish more people would donate. It's not often that those of us who aren't in the medical field can say that we are doing something to save lives.” — Janet Starosta, Document Management & Compliance Analyst, Geospatial Engineering Services

“This will be my first time donating! I have always had a fear of getting my blood drawn, but after having blood drawn multiple times over the past few years, I have gotten much more comfortable with the process of it. I saw the email to sign up and realized that I am finally ready. Getting blood drawn is uncomfortable, but a little bit of discomfort is worth it if that blood can go on to help people.” — Aspen Eichelberger, Project Coordinator, UVA Recycling

“Over 40 years ago I signed up to donate for the first time at a blood drive at college. I was very disappointed when I was deferred. I continued to try over the years, sometimes I was successful, more often I was deferred for one reason or another…In 2020, early in the COVID pandemic, I heard there was a need for blood. I made an appointment to donate blood at the Albemarle Square donation center, it was something I could do to help others. I have been scheduling appointments to donate regularly since. Sometimes, I still get deferred, and it's disappointing, but when it is a successful donation, I am grateful, knowing it truly could be the gift of life. With this donation I will have donated three gallons of blood; not really a lot, I guess, but it has made a difference for many in need over the years.” — Lori Mohr Pedersen, Executive Assistant, Office of the Associate Vice-President and Chief Facilities Officer

“My grandmother served as a Red Cross volunteer and board member for many years. She served as a Disaster Action Team Captain for 20 national disasters including Hurricane Katrina and Ground Zero efforts. She found a way to channel her two passions, helping people through the Red Cross and quilting by creating this quilt (pictured in image to the right) that showcases her many awards from the Red Cross. I served as Red Cross Board Secretary for the Central Virginia Chapter Red Cross from 2021-2023 and have been privileged to observe how effective the Red Cross is at implementing its mission to alleviate human suffering. I have also seen firsthand the impact that blood donation services have when a family close to me had a child diagnosed with leukemia. She is healthy and fully recovered today because of medically lifesaving treatments including blood transfusions. It is my privilege to donate and help others in this way.” — Shelomith Gonzalez, Occupational Health and Safety Manager, Occupational Programs