By David Strom, American Red Cross

Many people who have been donating blood for a long time can recall what motivated them to become first-timers. Branon Thiesse of Jonesboro, Arkansas recalls his moment quite vividly. His wife was in a car accident back in 1991, just a few months after giving birth to their daughter. She received several units of blood, but sadly the doctors couldn’t save her. In an instant, Branon lost his beloved wife and had to raise their child on his own.

“I thought, how can I give back to the people who had donated blood and honor her memory?” So his donation history began. “I just give regular whole blood donations, and I try to do as often as I can. I use the app which reminds me when it is time,” Thiesse shared. “Usually, I am able to get it done in less than seven minutes. I am a gusher!,” Thiesse jokingly shared. “I don’t do many things well, but this is one of them.” Recently, he reached a milestone in his donation journey, completing a cumulative three gallons, or a total of 24 units.

As a proud grandfather, Branon now enjoys seeing his daughter raise a child of her own. When her employer, a branch of the Chedder’s restaurant chain, hosted a blood drive, he saw it as an opportunity not only to donate but to share a moment of remembrance with his daughter for the woman they both loved and lost. While that donation was especially meaningful, most of Branon’s donations take place at churches or school gyms where he quietly honors his wife’s memory each time he rolls up his sleeve.