By Ryan Meyer

For Christel Womack of Nashville, Tennessee, giving isn’t just an act of kindness — it’s a personal mission that began in high school. At just 18 years old, while a student at the Tennessee School for the Blind, she made her first blood donation with the American Red Cross.

“I got inspired because I heard that my school did field trips to the Red Cross through an afternoon program,” Christel recalls. That first experience planted the seed for what would become a lifelong habit of service.

She began by donating whole blood but made the switch to platelet donation about five years ago. For Christel, donating platelets offers a deeper sense of impact and purpose.

“I started donating platelets because you can give more often, and it feels like there’s more of an impact,” Christal shares. “I can see why there’s more demand.”

Despite the added challenge of transportation as someone who is visually impaired, Christel is a frequent and dedicated donor who makes the effort to show up again and again. Her commitment has led her to donate nearly 500 units.

This past spring, Christel and her father recently attended a special blood drive at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, an event that brought together music and mission. Hosted in partnership with Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation, the drive was one of many across the U.S. held in conjunction with the band’s tour to help ensure hospital patients never have to wait for lifesaving care.

Platelet donation is different from whole blood donation. While whole blood can be given every 56 days, platelets can be donated every 7 days, up to 24 times a year. The process takes a little longer—about two to three hours—but those platelets are critically needed for cancer patients, trauma victims, and people undergoing major surgeries or organ transplants.

To help pass the time during her platelet donations, Christel enjoys watching movies and TV shows—especially her favorite films from the DC Universe.

“I think it’s beneficial, and if you’re hesitant or scared of needles, you can tell the staff and ask questions,” Christel says. “There are no stupid questions. They have always made me feel comfortable.”

Through her determination and generosity, Christel is helping others understand that giving looks different for everyone and that no matter your circumstances, there’s always a way to make a meaningful impact.

If you're curious about giving platelets or whole blood, visit redcrossblood.org to learn more or schedule your first appointment. Your donation could be the difference between life and death for someone in need.