Longtime blood donor Evelia Sosa pictured at the American Red Cross donation center in Columbia, Maryland
By: Clarice Nassif Ransom, Red Cross volunteer
Evelia Sosa of Maryland believes that donating blood is an irreplaceable gift that helps save lives, which has prompted her to donate more than seven gallons of blood during her lifetime.
“Nothing compares to being able to provide this source of life to someone in need,” said Evelia, whose goal is to donate blood each time she is eligible – roughly every two months.
Not only has she donated more than seven gallons herself, Evelia has inspired others to donate blood, including her children, friends and colleagues.
“Each time I donate blood, I post it on Facebook,” Evelia said. “I can see this has a multiplier effect. For example, one former coworker was skeptical of donating blood. But after seeing my posts on social media, she asked me about it, I was able to encourage her, and now she donates blood and is organizing blood drives.”
According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion to save their life during surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries.
“Donating blood is an incredible experience, and it is easy to do,” said Evelia.
An added benefit? Using the Red Cross Blood Donor App enables blood donors to schedule, track, and follow a blood donation’s journey to patients.
“I really love the Red Cross Blood Donor App because it will tell me where my blood will go to, such as a specific Baltimore trauma center or to a children’s hospital in Washington, D.C., said Evelia. “This helps me visualize the effect of my blood donation.”
Evelia said she is grateful to the staff at the Columbia, Maryland, Red Cross donation center, where she has been donating blood for more than a decade. Evelia said the staff makes her feel welcome, like family, and that keeps her motivated to donate blood.
“For me, giving blood is a small action that can make a world of difference,” said Evelia. “I hope to keep donating blood until I am no longer able to do so. I would like to hit at least 10 or 12 gallons of blood donated over my lifetime.”
For more information on how to donate blood, check out RedCrossBlood.org
"... Giving blood is a small action that can make a world of difference."
American Red Cross phlebotomist Dominique Bailey, right, poses with longtime blood donor Evelia Sosa at the Red Cross blood donation center in Columbia, Md., on Nov. 5, 2026. A regular donor since college, Sosa is approaching eight gallons donated. Photo by Scott Marder/American Red Cross.
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