Stephen Agnelli lives in Wilmington, North Carolina. He has been a blood donor for many years, but has made it a priority to donate whenever he can. Recently, he faced a grief no parent should endure.

"He was a very good fellow," Stephen said. "He never complained. He died at the age of 20."

In 2017 his son, Daniel, became very ill at the age of 15.

"He was diagnosed with renal failure, which is his kidneys completely shut down," Stephen said. "We almost lost him that day, but the doctors gave him a blood transfusion which then kept him alive. From that day on, I went forward to giving more blood, for all that was given to my son to keep him alive."

Stephen said at least three blood units were used to help keep Daniel alive.

"He fought to the very end," Stephen said. "He was a tribute to a person's endurance. He really was. I was glad that I had the 20 years with him."

Daniel passed away 5 years after he was diagnosed.

"Him getting those blood transfusions helped out a lot. It continued him to live a little longer," Stephen said. "If people didn't donate blood, my son might have died the day he was diagnosed."

Stephen explained, the blood people donate go to helping more people than they think. He encourages everyone to donate blood if they are able to.

"Donating blood is very important. It always has been. There really is a big need for it," Stephen said. "I am grateful that we do have donors out there. That's one of the main reasons why I do it-- is to give back what was given to my son.”

Everyone 2 seconds, someone is in need of a blood transfusion or blood product; and approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed in the United States everyday. If you are interested in becoming a blood donor, visit redcrossblood.org.