Mikie Guerrero is a passionate advocate for blood donation. Pictured here is Mikie alongside local Red Cross youth volunteers at a High School Leaders workshop, inspiring them about the importance of blood donation. Photo: Tom Leach/American Red Cross
“Mikie is a real hero. Not only did he overcome incredible obstacles, but he’s also inspiring others to become heroes themselves.”
- Peter Vu, Red Cross Biomedical Services Account Manager
By Christine Welch, American Red Cross
In March 2020, a devastating car accident left Mikie Guerrero in a coma for nearly a month. His survival was nothing short of miraculous—made possible by the generous blood donations that sustained him through numerous surgeries.
“When I was in the hospital, they ran out of my blood type and had to collect more from two nearby hospitals,” Mikie recalled.
Over the course of his treatment, Mikie received 64 units of whole blood and 14 units of platelets—lifesaving gifts made possible by Red Cross donors. In the first 24 hours alone, he required 32 units of blood.
“As the years went on and through his recovery, we came together as a family and asked, ‘How can we give back?’” shared Geneva Guerrero, Mikie’s mother.
Grateful for the donors who saved his life, Mikie and his family took action. They began organizing annual blood drives, rallying friends, family, and local supporters to help others in need. Mikie has also visited with survivor groups at hospitals and met with high school students to share his journey and insights about hosting blood drives.
“What’s inspired us the most is the support from our community,” Geneva added. “Many of us had never donated before, but over the past three years, we’ve come together.”
Since 2023, Mikie’s blood drives have welcomed 52 first-time donors and collected 171 units of blood—contributions that have helped strengthen the local blood supply and potentially saved countless lives.
“You often see families gathering for parties or picnics, but it’s truly unique to see a whole family come together to save lives,” said Peter Vu, Account Manager for Red Cross Biomedical Services.
In recognition of their advocacy and impact, Mikie and the Guerrero family received the prestigious “Gift of Life” award at the Red Cross Orange County Heroes Awards in May 2025.
“Mikie is a real hero,” Peter added. “Not only did he overcome incredible obstacles, but he’s also inspiring others to become heroes themselves.”
To learn more about how you can help save lives through blood donation, visit RedCrossBlood.org.
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