Inspired by her father, Dawne Ballard began donating blood as a young teenager. Following in his footsteps, she would accompany him to blood drives. Whenever he reached a milestone for donated blood, he would receive a special pin from the American Red Cross. Dawne was excited about getting pins of her own. “As a competitive kid I wanted to surpass his donations.” 

Dawne’s first experience was a blood drive in her high school gymnasium. She explains, “blood drives at high schools make it easier for students because they don’t need to find transportation to an offsite location.”  She was excited to donate blood for the first time. In a community where friends and teachers supported her, she knew no fear. When she laid down on the bed, the technician reassured her and answered any questions. When describing her experience she was “super proud,” but embarrassed because afterward she was light-headed. After lying down for a few minutes with a cold compress on her head she recovered quickly.

Sadly, Dawne's father passed away last year after receiving multiple blood transfusions himself. Her mother, who has been fearful of donating blood, now wants to give back knowing that blood transfusions gave her husband more time with their family. She was not sure she would be accepted to donate blood as she has multiple sclerosis (MS). Since 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed persons with MS to give blood as long as they are healthy and their condition is stable. Dawne plans to join her mother at a blood drive and they can give blood together.

So far, Dawne estimates she has given 35-40 pints and donates at least three times a year. Her wife takes her to the blood donation site and waits to take her home. Dawne explains, “she’s wonderfully supportive, but fearful of needles and afraid it will hurt.”

A Philly native, Dawne’s career is people operations. She likes to hike, especially the trails at Wissahickon Park, and loves paddling with the Women’s Dragon Boat Team.

For teenagers, donating blood is a great way to help save lives and give back to the community. In Pennsylvania, teens can donate at age 16 with parent consent and 17 without. Visit our Information for Teen Donors webpage to learn more. Even easier, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.

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- Written by Judith Weeks