By: Betsy Robertson

Luciana Bosio is a huge advocate for donating blood. In just over a year, she’s already donated half a gallon and is working her way to the next milestone. The Red Cross app on her phone proudly displays every badge her generosity has earned. She listed them off during our interview.

“I’ve got the welcome badge, first-timer, second timer, the hat-trick… and then all the seasonal badges — vampire, winter holiday, women’s history month, summertime, camp do good, critical summer blood donation, and season of thanks,” she said.

For all the enthusiasm she has now, it was a journey to get here.

“I have a sister who is very adamant about giving blood,” Luciana shared. “I wondered why, and I wanted to try, but I always had excuses. I was scared or I was afraid of needles.”

And then, Luciana was diagnosed with breast cancer, which meant she wasn't eligible to donate while receiving treatment. That's also when the determination to donate kicked in.

In 2023, Luciana’s uncle in Argentina was scheduled to have heart surgery, and everyone in the family who could donate blood was rallying to support him. They were specifically looking for Type O+ blood. She remembers thinking, “I have that, and I’m here on vacation. I should donate.”

But because Argentina has a 10-year deferral window after cancer treatment, Luciana wasn’t allowed to donate. Even though her blood was a perfect match.

Their compatibility isn’t coincidence. We know that Black and Hispanic populations have a higher frequency of type O blood than other ethnicities, as much as 57% in Hispanic populations. Because Type O is the most transfused blood type, it carries the highest demand and is often in critical supply.

Once home and eligible to donate in the United States, Luciana signed up right away. She remembers that first donation well.

“I remember I showed up and no one seemed stressed or anything! People were incredibly nice and made sure I knew what to expect.” She recalls it was much easier than she thought it would be. “Before leaving I was like, ‘I need to sign up again!’ So I did — I made my next appointment right then and there.”   

The rest, as they say, is history. She’s been consistently donating ever since. Luciana learned how to make sure her diet is packed with iron before her appointment, so she comes in prepared. She also uses every platform available to encourage others to do the same.

That includes the podcast “The Sound of the Puget Sound” she co-hosts with husband Pedro Bartes. The couple moved to the United States from Argentina 25 years ago to pursue their love of broadcasting. They’ve worked at a number of Seattle radio stations through the years, but always kept their podcast going on the side.

“The Sound of Puget Sound” is dedicated to people making a difference in our region. Clearly, Luciana Bosio is one of them.