Story told by Mandy McMahon

“A fun fact about me is I have a deathly fear of needles,” said Marina Nichols, a senior at the University of South Carolina. “I was always too nervous to donate. I was afraid I was going to pass out.” 

Marina decided to give blood after scrolling through Instagram and seeing the American Red Cross X PEANUTS partnership back in September. Her late Grammy had always loved Snoopy and Woodstock.  

“I thought, ‘Well, that's a call out from beyond if I've ever heard one, so I need to go today,' because if I don't, I know I'm going to chicken out and talk myself out of it,” said Marina. “I found a blood drive in Columbia that day and I just went. That was the first time I ever donated blood.” 

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood donors like Marina help patients of all ages with a wide variety of conditions, such as accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. Marina felt moved to give blood after witnessing how blood transfusions helped her grandmother on several occasions.  

“My Grammy, she was very sick for the last 20 years of her life. And her life had been saved many times by blood transfusions for emergency surgeries,” said Marina. “Giving blood is one of the ways where I could not only honor her, but I know that I'm helping people whose loved ones are at risk like mine.” 

While many first-time donors can feel nervous about giving blood, the Red Cross suggests several tips for managing fear during blood donation, such as bringing a support person, informing the staff, and using distraction techniques like listening to music or closing your eyes. Additionally, staying hydrated, breathing slowly, and focusing on the lifesaving impact of your donation can help make the process easier and more rewarding.  

“They’re going to take care of you; you’re not on your own when you donate. You’re helping others and the staff is helping you get through it,” said Marina, encouraging other first-time donors to roll up their sleeves. “I definitely plan on donating again now that I know I am capable of doing it.” 

Donors of all blood types are needed now. University of South Carolina students are invited to give blood at the 41st Annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Battle on campus November 17 – 21st. All who come to give at the Blood Battle will receive exclusive Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks PLUS a commemorative long-sleeve T-shirt, while supplies last!* 

NEW for 2025: University of South Carolina and Clemson University fans across the state are invited to show their school spirit by giving blood at Red Cross fixed site locations in Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston. Vote for your university, and you too can receive a commemorative long-sleeve blood battle t-shirt, while supplies last!  

Make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, and use sponsor code GAMECOCKS for campus drives.  

Blood Battle locations and hours the week of Nov 17 – 21:  

University of South Carolina campus locations:  
Mon – Thu 10AM – 6PM and Fri 10AM – 4PM 

• Russell House - 1400 Greene St. 

• Close Hipp Building - 1705 College St. 

Donor Centers: 

• Columbia Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center 
  2751 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201 
  Mon – Wed 11AM – 7PM 
  Thu 9AM – 5PM 
  Fri 6AM – 2PM 

• Charleston - West Ashley Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center 
  2000 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407 
  Mon – Closed 
  Tue – Wed 11AM – 7PM 
  Thu 9AM – 5PM 
  Fri 7AM – 3PM 

• Mt. Pleasant Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center 
  920 Houston Northcutt Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 
  Mon – Tue 11AM – 7PM 
  Wed – Thu Closed 
  Fri 7AM – 3PM 

• Myrtle Beach Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center 
  3681 Renee Drive, Unit #4, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 
  Mon 7AM – 3PM 
  Tue 9AM – 5PM 
  Wed 11AM – 7PM 
  Thu 9AM – 5PM 
  Fri 7AM – 3PM