By Mimi Teller/American Red Cross

I was an occasional blood donor in my 20s and 30s, but over time my veins grew small and wiggly, making it difficult for blood collectors to find or keep a vein. Frustrated for both myself and the technicians, I eventually stopped donating altogether.

Everything changed in 2021 when I met American Red Cross blood collector Sylvia Dominguez-Bailey. She advised me that I needed to be well hydrated—far beyond my usual and inadequate 30 ounces of water a day. Determined to give it another try, I drank 120 ounces over two days and went in for my first donation in decades. To my delight, Sylvia found my vein easily, inserted the needle with ease and my donation flowed briskly, completing faster than I ever imagined. My best donation time to date clocked in at 4 minutes and 55 seconds, when the average is 8-10 minutes. A strong testament to being well hydrated. 

Sylvia’s advice seemed simple, but her patient, nurturing approach made all the difference. That day reaffirmed a simple truth: being properly prepared makes all the difference in the donation experience. I was back in the game and now donate regularly. While some people have donated hundreds of gallons, I’m at two gallons to date, limited for a while by low iron following gastrointestinal surgery.

Today, I book all my donations with Sylvia—often travaling 45 minutes each way, every 56 days, to donate with her. While all Red Cross blood collectors are highly skilled and compassionate, our bond has grown over the years; we share family stories and recipes, making each donation feel personal and meaningful.

Thanks to Sylvia and to all the Red Cross professionals who make blood donation safe and rewarding. I am proud to give regularly and encourage others to do the same. With the right preparation, anyone can have a smooth, successful donation experience.

If I can get back in the game, so can you. Join me and thousands of others who donate regularly. Make your appointment to give blood today at redcross.org/give-blood.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.