By Victor Ledezma
American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region Volunteer

A remarkable milestone was quietly celebrated at Weber State University’s recent blood drive. Nadeoui Eden, an Ogden, Utah, resident, sat down to donate blood for the 72^nd time, marking an incredible achievement of nine gallons donated over the course of six decades. This extraordinary accomplishment, however, is not merely about numbers for Nadeoui. It represents a lifetime dedicated to selflessness, perseverance, and even a hint of healthy competition.

Her blood donation journey began when she was just 18 years old. “I started out of curiosity,” she recalled with a smile. “It was one of those rare things you could do that was completely selfless. You didn’t know who got your blood, but you knew it was saving lives.”

From First Donation to Lifelong Mission
That first experience left a lasting impression. Sitting beside a middle-aged man whose veins she humorously describes as “the size of New York,” she found herself both humbled and intimidated. “I nearly hyperventilated trying to keep up with him,” she joked, laughing at the long-past moment. But what caught her attention that day was not just the act itself—it was a chart on the wall listing donors who had reached remarkable milestones. Every name on the list beyond five gallons was male. “Being a tad competitive, and with my mom always telling me women can do anything men can do, I made it my goal to beat them,” she said. That chart became a catalyst for a lifelong mission.

Blood donation became a priority even as life became busier. Marriage, children, and countless responsibilities filled her days, but Nadeoui never wavered in her commitment. “Anything important to you, you make time for,” she said simply. “Even with kids, I kept donating because it was something meaningful and selfless I could contribute.”

When she reached the five-gallon milestone, it was a triumph not just for herself, but for women everywhere. “Once I got to five gallons, everything after that was gravy,” she said. Yet, true to her competitive streak, she soon set a new goal—ten gallons. Her determination remains steadfast, even as she edges closer to achieving it.

The Deeply Personal Gift of Blood Donation
For Nadeoui, blood donation is deeply personal. “There’s nothing more personal you can give than your blood,” she reflected. She dismissed the common concern of fear or pain, offering reassurance instead. “Does it hurt? Sometimes, but it’s only a little sting. Nothing in life is painless, but this little bit of pain can save someone’s life.”

Over the years, she has watched the process evolve to include meaningful touches, like notifications that inform donors where their blood is used. Such changes, she said, strengthen the deeply human connection to the act. “It’s like a gift with no expected return,” she explained. “Knowing someone’s life was saved because you took the time, that’s the kind of satisfaction you just can’t get anywhere else.”

Her selflessness isn’t an isolated story; blood donations across the country make a profound impact. Each pint has the potential to change lives, whether it’s through transfusions for patients battling cancer, accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, patients with sickle cell disease and those chronic diseases.  The ripple effect of each donation extends far beyond the moment one rolls up their sleeve. Millions of lives in the U.S. are saved by donations each year, a figure that both humbles and motivates donors like Nadeoui.

While blood drives are always about saving lives, they also provide moments of human connection. Nadeoui fondly remembered meeting Raileigh, a Red Cross technician who made a recent donation drive especially memorable. “She was amazing and funny, and we liked all the same songs,” she said, pausing to reflect on how these small but meaningful connections create a positive experience for everyone involved.

Join Nadeoui and Give Blood
Her advice to others is straightforward and encouraging. “Start small. Even one gallon is a lot of blood, and it’s an incredible accomplishment. Make a goal for two gallons, and take little steps to get there,” she said. For those who hesitate, she offers kindness and reassurance. “You’ll feel good about it. It’s one of the few things you can do in life that’s completely selfless and makes a real difference.”

Sitting at nine gallons donated and counting, Nadeoui continues forward with characteristic determination. “I wonder if I’ll make 10 gallons,” she said, her curiosity wrapped in optimism. If her decades of dedication are any indicator, she’s well on her way to achieving that next, remarkable feat.

Her story is a testament to the power of commitment, compassion, and generosity. It reminds us that even actions like donating a pint of blood hold the potential to change lives in immeasurable ways.

For those inspired by her example, the opportunity to make a difference is within reach. Donors can easily find a nearby blood drive and schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Together, one pint at a time, we can help save lives.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.