This Simple Action Red Cross Blood Donor

A blood donor shares why she continues to donate

November 08, 2023

By Gianluca Giusti, Red Cross volunteer

Every now and then, a blood donor shares their donation journey with us, including their reasons or motivation for donating. Local donor Flannery Mays shared her donation journey with Red Cross volunteer Luca Giusti. We’re pleased to share her words here.

What motivated you to make your first donation?
“I was 16 years old when the first Red Cross Blood Drive came to my school. I learned that I was O-, the universal donor. I don’t remember if Red Cross folks or my health teacher taught us about blood types, but someone explained what it meant for me especially as an O- donor. I wanted to help people and it was pretty easy: You lie down for 15-20 minutes, squeeze a ball, eat some snacks then you’re done! At the time as well they had a “pint for a pint,” a pint of blood for a pint of Baskin Robbins ice cream. While I was giving more for the greater good, I’d be lying if my 16-year old self really wanted some Oreo ice cream, too!

Now in my early 30s, I care less about any perks, though I still enjoy the snacks and apple juice afterwards. It’s more about a very concrete, real action I can take to help me. I tell my friends that I donate, let folks know on social media, and even got my partner to donate blood for the first time in 2022. I know a lot of folks don’t like needles, and while that’s an issue for me, I choose to focus on the ball I’m squeezing, the good I’m doing, and the little treats after, a small reminder of the bigger gift I am privileged to give to someone.

“It’s a great feeling knowing that this simple action can really help a fellow human out there.”

Flannery May

What would you tell someone who is considering blood donation for the first time?
I’ll keep it simple:
– Drink LOTS of water the day before, during and after
– Breathe, it’s okay, you’re safe
– Be vocal if something hurts or doesn’t feel right
– Be mindful if you’ve been sick recently, don’t donate, please wait

– Bring a friends or family if you’re nervous! It’s a great way to be of service together

Many donors tell us that they give blood in honor of someone important to them: a friend or family member affected by blood donation. If that’s the case with you, please tell us about that person and why they helped inspire you to donate. Please tell us about the person who motivated you to give blood.
I don’t have a specific person in mind (mostly shared why in a previous question), but what I can also share is that I was hospitalized on and off for a year with an autoimmune disease as a 6 year old. There was a girl in the bed next to me, a year or two younger, with a terminal illness. I don’t remember much, but I do have a picture of us together and remember her parents or a nurse telling me that I was the first person to make her laugh in a long time. That really stuck with me. So whether I’m giving smiles or giving blood, I think about that little girl next to me. I don’t even remember her name, but I remember her smile and the feeling I felt, knowing I had made someone’s life a little brighter.”

Flannery, (right), alongside the special friend she made while in the hospital. Photo courtesy of Flannery May.

Thank you, Flannery, for helping to save lives through donating blood. You can help, too. Learn more about donating blood, platelets and plasma, and sign up for a donation appointment at redcrossblood.org.

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.