Blood connections run deep. When you call someone “blood,” it’s another way to call that person “family.” – We Are Blood

In January I started holding regular blood drives for We Are Blood (the Central Texas Blood Bank)

It was mostly because the location I chose was more convenient for me, but also because I am type O negative and I felt guilty for not donating more often.

So, to be honest, I had essentially selfish reasons.

Thank goodness the mayor of Jonestown, Texas thought it was a great idea and agreed the city hall parking lot would be perfect for the Bloodmobile.

Last week I attended We Are Blood’s 75th Legacy of Life Benefit and was reminded again of the importance of these drives.

There is a great need is for blood donations in Austin. At the benefit, several people were honored, including a pediatric trauma surgeon, a pediatric oncologist, a transplant surgeon, and the Chief of Austin- Travis County EMS (the first EMS agency in Central Texas to provide prehospital blood transfusions to patients.)

Amy’s Ice Cream received the philanthropic award for their partnership with We Are Blood and 85 year old Gary Carter won a Lifetime Achievement Award – he has donated 150 GALLONS of blood in his lifetime.

I’ll never get close to Gary’s contribution, but a woman in Lakeway inspired and motivated me. She won the Community Driver award for regularly getting 60 donors at her drives, way more than I ever manage.

It inspired me to keep at it, even though it is a lot of work promoting it and rounding up donors. I’ve invested a lot financially, as well, with signage, flyers, etc. .

But just one donation can save up to 3 lives, so even if I can’t motivate 60 people to donate, I know my drives are still making a difference and worth the time, money, and effort.

I hope you consider donating, if you are able. My next drive is on October 22 and I would love to see you there!

“The highest love of all finds its fulfillment not in what it keeps, but in what it gives.” ~ Father Andrew