Yan Bolduc was exposed to blood donations at an early age because of his father. Having type O negative blood meant Bolduc's father carried the universal blood type in his veins. He donated blood for most of his life until his colon cancer diagnosis.

During Bolduc's father's time as a blood donor, he had the opportunity to do a direct patient-to-patient blood transfusion. Inspired by his father's dedication, Bolduc became a blood donor as a young adult.

With a passion for aircraft and working with his hands, Bolduc enlisted in the military at 21. As an aircraft mechanic in the military, Bolduc was stationed in Europe. The last time he could donate blood was at basic training in 1987. Bolduc was prohibited from donating blood from 1999 until the recent FDA update to its donor eligibility guidance on vCJD related to mad cow disease, effectively removing the deferral.

Since the FDA updated the donor eligibility, Bolduc has donated three times, with this recent visit to the Wichita Falls blood drive on October 11, 2024, being the third.

"I enjoy using the [Blood Donor] app. I get updates on my blood journey and see what hospital my blood ends up in. It's cool to see I saved a life. It's encouraging. Everyone should try to donate blood at least once. It’s a meaningful blood drop in someone’s bucket."

Like his father, Bolduc has the O negative blood type. "Having this blood type is like a superpower. I know my blood can go to anyone, so I will surely share it with the world."

As a retired aircraft mechanic, Bolduc is now a Wichita Falls resident teaching his aircraft mechanic skills to new recruits at Sheppard Air Force Base. Bolduc retired 10 years ago and just celebrated his 10th anniversary of teaching on October 6, 2024.

"Being a teacher to these recruits is a privilege and rewarding. I get to see all the new troops coming and keep in touch with what's happening. Seeing them shine keeps me wanting to stay as young as I feel."

To find a blood drive near you, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).