By Taylor Poisall, American Red Cross

For Kimberlie Seeber, serving others doesn't end when her shift does.

As a Paramedic with the Sacramento City Fire Department, Kimberlie spends her days responding to emergencies and helping people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Recently, she found another way to make a difference by rolling up a sleeve to donate blood alongside colleagues from Sacramento Fire and Sacramento Police at a community blood drive.

The donation marked Kimberlie's second time giving blood, an experience she says was an easy decision.

"It's rewarding to be part of something that supports our community while participating with my place of work," she said. "Knowing that a single donation can help save lives makes it an easy decision to come back and donate again."

For Kimberlie, the importance of blood donation goes beyond statistics. As a paramedic, she sees firsthand how lifesaving blood can be during emergencies. "We use blood in the field to give critically injured patients the best possible chance of survival before they even reach the hospital," she said. "Those experiences have shown me just how valuable every donation is."

Witnessing the impact of blood transfusions on patients has strengthened her commitment to donating blood herself.

"Knowing that one donation can directly help someone in their most critical moment motivates me to continue donating whenever I can," she said.

While Kimberlie understands that some people may feel nervous about donating blood for the first time, she hopes her experience encourages others to take that first step.

"It only takes a little bit of your time, but it can make a life-changing difference for someone else," she said. "If you're a little nervous, that's completely normal. Once it's over, you'll realize how simple it was, and you'll leave knowing you've helped save lives. That's a pretty incredible feeling."

Whether responding to emergencies in the field or donating blood in support of patients she may never meet, Kimberlie's commitment to helping others reflects the powerful role blood donors play every day. Her story serves as a reminder that saving lives can happen both on and off the job, and that a single blood donation can help ensure lifesaving blood is available when every second counts.