By Cheyenne DeGross, American Red Cross communications intern

For Teisha Robinson, blood donation is more than a simple act of generosity; it's a deeply personal mission rooted in gratitude, compassion and firsthand experience.

A nurse with more than 30 years of experience at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Robinson has spent her career caring for patients in emergency medicine and trauma settings. Every day, she sees how critical blood donations are for people facing life-threatening injuries, major surgeries and serious illnesses. But her passion for donating blood began long before her time in the hospital.

As the sixth of nine children, Robinson grew up watching her mother face difficult health challenges. Despite raising nine children and enduring countless struggles, her mother remained a source of strength, kindness and perseverance for her family.

Years later, those challenges became even greater when her mother developed severe heart disease. She eventually required an LVAD (left ventricular assist device), multiple blood transfusions, and ultimately a heart transplant.

"There were many times when my mother needed blood transfusions," Robinson recalled. "During those difficult moments, complete strangers gave selflessly to help save and support her life." 

Those donations made a profound difference. Each time blood was available when her mother needed it; Robinson was reminded that someone, somewhere, had taken the time to give. Someone had rolled up their sleeves and made a choice that helped keep her mother alive. "I will always be thankful for the kindness and generosity shown to my family," she said. "I see the importance of donating because it most definitely helps save lives," she said. 

Today, Robinson honors her mother's legacy by donating blood herself. She not only donates blood through the American Red Cross but is also registered as an organ donor. As a Christian, she sees donation as an extension of her faith and a way to serve others. "I want to pour back into people the way God pours into me," she said. "I just want to help God's people."

Her commitment to donating wasn't always easy. For years, Robinson wanted to give blood but often found that her hemoglobin (iron) levels were too low to qualify. Instead of giving up, she educated herself and took steps to prepare. She increased her water intake, added more iron-rich foods like kale and leafy greens to her diet, and carefully monitored her health before donation appointments.

Robinson knows exactly where those donations may end up because she sees the need every day. In the hospital, she watches nurses rush to retrieve blood for trauma patients. She hears stories of babies in pediatric intensive care units who depend on blood products to survive. She understands that every unit on the shelf represents a donor who chose to help a stranger.

"You may never meet the person you help," she said, "but your donation could save a life, support someone during surgery, help a cancer patient, or give hope to a family during a difficult time." That belief is what continues to inspire her.

Her mother taught her that even during life's hardest moments, there is always room to help others. "My mother inspires me every day," she said. "She taught me the importance of still pouring into others no matter what you're going through."

That is why she donates blood. And that is why she hopes others will, too. For Robinson, the message is simple: "One small act can truly make a huge difference in someone's life."

By donating blood today, you could be the reason someone gets tomorrow.