For years, Jeanene Fitzgerald knew donating blood was something she wanted to do.

She grew up watching her grandmother make blood donation a regular part of her life. Even into her 80s, her grandmother faithfully donated, often being picked up by family members to give blood. She never pressured Jeanene to follow in her footsteps; it was simply part of who she was. Through her example, she quietly instilled the importance of helping others.

After undergoing surgeries and receiving blood herself for medical treatment, Fitzgerald began thinking differently about blood donation. She realized firsthand that blood is something every patient depends on. At the same time, she saw the ongoing need for blood donations in her community and decided it was time to give back.

"I was almost embarrassed it took me so long," she said. "But you have to start somewhere."

As someone with O-negative blood, Fitzgerald was an ideal candidate for a Power Red donation, which collects nearly twice the amount of red blood cells while safely returning plasma and platelets during the donation process. Rather than making a traditional blood donation, Fitzgerald’s first donation with the American Red Cross was a Power Red donation.

She admits she wasn't nervous about donating itself as years of blood tests had taken away any fear of needles. Her biggest concern was simply hoping she wouldn't end up with a large bruise. Instead, she found the experience easy, comfortable and well organized.

"The process doesn't take long, and they make it so easy," she said.

Afterward, she downloaded the Red Cross Blood Donor App and discovered one of her favorite features: being able to track where her blood was sent. Seeing that journey made the experience feel even more meaningful.

Today, Fitzgerald considers herself a lifelong donor.

She's encouraging her family and friends to donate as well, especially knowing her O-negative blood type is in high demand. But her message isn't just for people with universal donor blood.

"As part of society, this is the very least we can do," she said. "You never know when someone you love is going to need blood."

Looking back, Fitzgerald sees her first donation as the beginning of something much bigger than checking off a goal. It's a way to honor the example her grandmother set, to give back after receiving blood herself, and to help ensure lifesaving blood is available for the next person in need.

By Megan Kusulas, Red Cross communications volunteer