By Clarice Nassif Ransom, Red Cross Volunteer
For Brynn Stierle, donating blood for the first time with her father Erwin Stierle by her side meant she was completing the circle of life by giving the gift of life.
“My mom had to have six blood transfusions while she was pregnant with me, and without those blood donations, we both wouldn’t be here today,” said Brynn. “I know my blood will be sent to someone in desperate need of it.”
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood to address a life-threatening situation. Erwin said that having his wife and daughter saved by the kindness of others donating blood is a catalyst for why he regularly donates blood. This role-model behavior inspired Brynn.
“I’ve always seen my dad give blood every chance he has been able to do so for as long as I can remember,” said Brynn. “I wanted to follow in his footsteps and do what I can to help people that are in need of something I can easily give.”
Brynn added, “The cool thing about the American Red Cross is that in the blood donor app, you can follow the stages your blood is put through—testing, storing, and saving. They will actually let you know where your blood ends up, so you can really see the difference that you’ve made by donating blood. It’s really amazing.”
Brynn encourages everyone who is eligible, to donate blood. Having a donation buddy can be helpful. For Brynn, her father serves in that role.
“It was really nice having dad there with me,” said Brynn. “I definitely felt like it was comforting to have him there, donating blood with me. He was calm and collected since he has been doing this forever, so it calmed my nerves down a bit.”
Brynn and Erwin plan to continue the circle of giving the gift of life for years to come.
“I think it is important to donate blood because there are so many people that need blood transfusions to save their lives, and it only takes an hour out of your day,” said Brynn. “If you’re healthy, there is no reason not to!”
Learn more about blood donation and schedule an appointment to donate blood at RedCrossBlood.org