By: Mimi Teller, American Red Cross

Diana Baker stepped off her cruise ship at the San Pedro cruise terminal near Los Angeles with just eight hours to spare before boarding another ship. Most travelers might use that window to do a little sightseeing, but Diana had something more lifesaving in mind: donating platelets with the American Red Cross.

A retired U.S. Army veteran and teacher, Diana now calls Richland, Washington home—but her story spans far and wide. After serving 15 years in the Army Signal Corps, including a stint stationed in Germany, she went on to teach computers, language arts, and manage an elementary school library. These days, she’s retired and cruising regularly, while her husband keeps things running back home.

This trip, Diana is sailing the same five-day route to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada—twice in a row. She flew in from Washington’s Tri-Cities to begin her back-to-back cruises, but when she realized she had a layover between sailings, she turned to her trusty Red Cross Blood Donor App to find the donation center closest to the San Pedro port of call.

“I had some time between cruises and thought donating would be the best use of my time,” Diana shared. “I’ve been to LA, but I’d rather do this.”

Since 2021, Diana has donated more than 240 blood product units—a staggering number that reflects her unwavering dedication to helping others. Her commitment isn’t limited to pleasure trips; during a visit to Pennsylvania following her brother’s passing, she donated platelets while in town as a gesture of compassion and service in his memory.

On the cruise preceding her LA donation, Diana kept her excursions low-key, choosing “safe” activities so she wouldn’t risk an injury that might prevent her from donating. But now, with her donation complete and its lifesaving journey already underway, she’s ready to embrace more adventure. On her second return cruise to the same ports, she plans to kayak and go horseback riding, enjoying the moment with peace of mind and a full heart.

Even while on vacation, Diana carved out time to save lives. Her platelet donation in San Pedro will help cancer patients, trauma victims and others in need.

For Diana, giving back isn’t something you take a break from—it’s something you carry with you, wherever you go.