By Suzanne Lawler, Communications Manager

When I first met Joshua “Mr. Amazing” Reid at an American Red Cross blood donor center in Atlanta, I was immediately drawn to him. The phlebotomist is jolly, outgoing and quick with a smile.

At first, I assumed “Amazing” was a nickname bestowed by proud parents, a playful nod to his upbeat personality. But as I listened to Joshua’s story, I realized the name isn’t just a title, it’s a testament to resilience. Behind that cheerful smile is a journey marked by survival, gratitude and a mission to help others.

“When I’m talking to donors and I’m talking to other people, I tell them about my experience, and I always tell people I’m a reflection of what I see, I’m just filled with gratitude,” he said humbly.

In 1999, Reid had just wrapped up his junior year at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia, and was driving home to Atlanta. “Twenty minutes into the ride, a pickup truck and I collided head-on in the center lane,” he recalled.

It happened on Ga. 441, a rural two-lane road in central Georgia. When emergency units responded, they found Reid wedged into his red Pontiac Grand Am. His thigh was so mangled and crushed that it looked as if a monster had stepped on it.

“I broke my femur in six places; it was basically shattered,” he recalled. “The seat belt, when it jerked my neck up, lacerated my neck. Blood was coming out, and I just saw blood all over the steering wheel.”

Reid received five pints of blood in the emergency room on his way to surgery, where doctors operated on his leg. He stayed in the hospital for five days.

Little did Reid know that one day he would become part of the process to help save lives.

In 2007, he took a job working at a Red Cross warehouse, and then serendipity struck. A guy told him that the Red Cross was looking for a phlebotomist ­– a medical professional trained to draw blood.

Reid signed up for the American Red Cross phlebotomy training program and began working in Atlanta. Eighteen years later, he is still wearing red scrubs and greeting every donor with a smile. He knows firsthand the value of the lifesaving gift.

“I think this is my purpose, to be here to encourage others,” he said. “I didn’t think it was going to be all right one day, and now every day I’m telling people that I’m amazing, that I feel amazing, that every day is amazing. Life is a full circle right now.”

He doesn’t just talk the talk; he walks the walk. Over the years, he’s donated a little over 101 units of blood. That’s more than 12 gallons.

Much like my initial reaction to the friendly guy who loves to golf, you can’t help but notice Reid in a room. His infectious personality rubs off on his co-workers.

“He has discussed the story with me, and it brings me to tears because he’s giving back,” Red Cross Collections Manager Mae Brown said. “He has that great spirit about him. He makes everyone feel welcome, feel included and want to come back for more, which is what we want. It’s amazing to have him here with us.”

The 48-year-old Reid, who credits his parents for the discipline and joy in his life, says his job is his passion and his message is simple yet powerful: “My motto is reach out and touch somebody’s hand and make this world a better place if you can!”

He’s a living example of the power of blood donation, sharing his journey and inspiring others along the way.

The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Thanks to generous donors, blood was on the shelf for Reid. It’s not uncommon for a trauma patient to need 100 units of lifesaving blood after an accident. The Red Cross provides about 40% of the nation’s blood supply.

How to donate blood: 

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass^® online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

 A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.