By Anastassia Roberts, American Red Cross intern

Did you know that every 15 seconds, someone needs platelets, yet less than 1 percent of people in the U.S. give platelets? Adding to the challenge of collecting platelets and the ongoing demand for them, platelets have a short shelf life of five days. That’s where dedicated platelet donors like Jean Samaniego step in to help ensure that patients fighting cancer or undergoing organ transplants and surgical operations each year receive the platelets needed.

“Please donate blood or platelets. You never know when you or someone you love will need it,” platelet donor Jean shared. She began donating platelets at the American Red Cross Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center a few years ago when she saw an urgent request for donations on Facebook. Since answering that call to donate Jean has also been an active Red Cross volunteer, filling roles as a chapter driver, logistics group volunteer and former blood transportation specialist.

When she is not donating platelets or volunteering with the Red Cross, Jean can be found volunteering with the Oceanside Community Emergency Response Team where she is currently serving as the Chair of the board. Jean is also an active member of the University of Connecticut Alumni Group and enjoys playing pickleball in her free time. “I believe that we have an obligation to help others,” Jean shared. “Big or small acts, recognized or unrecognized.”

A few years before she began her journey with the Red Cross, Jean faced a difficult situation when her wife, Julie, required a blood transfusion. Thankfully, one selfless donor’s donation equipped Julie with the blood she needed for the procedure. “I’m grateful and thankful that someone had taken the time to make a donation for us. Without unselfish donors, I don’t know where my wife would be,” Jean shared about the experience.

Every two weeks, Jean commutes 40 miles to the blood donation center and 40 miles back to give lifesaving platelets. Due to her commitment, Jean has donated an outstanding 252 platelet units and continues to help save lives. “I know that I’m blessed and able to give, so why not? I will continue to donate as long as God allows me to,” Jean shared.

Not only does Jean travel from place to place, but her platelets do too. While many of her donations travel to the Los Angeles area, some have traveled as far as Philadelphia, Michigan, Georgia, and Missouri. “I love tracking where my donations travel to,” Jean shared about the Red Cross Blood Donor App. “At least a part of me gets to travel!”

Jean encourages others to ask questions, connect with the blood donor community, and donate platelets if they can. If not for any other reason at all, Jean motivates you to donate “because you know in your heart that you’re doing an act of kindness and maybe saving someone’s life.”

Make an appointment to donate blood or platelets at RedCrossBlood.org.