I am a first time blood donor. I had lived the 67 years of my life without ever donating or receiving blood until my precious granddaughter was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and needed a life-saving blood transfusion. I wanted to DO something in a situation that I was helpless to change. My physician brother suggested giving blood. In that moment I understood the extraordinary need and nature of giving blood. It is the most intimate of gifts yet it is given anonymously. Giving had always been a very personal experience for me. In that moment I became anonymous.