Story told by: Nick Gibson

Patricia Moss has been donating lifesaving blood for decades, but April 12th marked a major milestone for her. 

Not only did Patricia celebrate her 80th birthday, she also successfully donated her 100th blood donation at a blood drive in her honor in Greenville. Each day, the Red Cross hosts about 500 blood drives to help ensure blood products are available whenever and wherever they are needed, and a single blood donation can help save more than one life.

Patricia first started donating blood in high school, but her passion for donating grew after she learned her sister needed lifesaving blood. That experience showed her just how critical blood donations can be and reinforced her commitment to helping patients in need whenever she can.

“My sister was giving birth to her third child after having a C-section,” said Patricia. “She needed a lot of blood, and the Red Cross was there.”

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and Red Cross donations help ensure patients, from new parents and premature babies to cancer patients and accident victims, receive the safe, lifesaving blood they depend on.

Patricia says she has always known the importance of donating blood, which is why she continues to help patients in need—even on her birthday.

“It’s a birthday gift for me to be able to donate,” said Patricia. “I’m honored and grateful to be able to give blood and make sure that someone gets it. I really do appreciate getting a notification of where that blood went.” 

The Red Cross Blood Donor app makes it easy for donors to schedule and manage their donation appointments, track the lifetime impact of their donations, earn rewards, and recruit others to donate.  

Patricia says she believes there’s always a reason to give lifesaving blood.

“I would say don’t be afraid,” said Patricia. “When you need blood, it’s going to be there because someone else gave.”

Spring holidays and vacations can disrupt blood donation patterns. With the return of outdoor activities and warmer weather, it’s critical that donors make and keep appointments in the coming weeks to keep the blood supply ready to help all patients in need of vital care.

Eligible individuals are encouraged to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).