I started donating in high school because of my parents. I am not a big fan of needles, but I felt, “If I can help, I need to help.”

My grandfather was in the hospital for dialysis and needed blood weekly, and then my father was found to have diabetes. The need for blood donation became a must for my family.

My family had many losses, my father and grandparents, but the need for blood did not. I donate in memory of them and the commitment to better my community.