The Joy of Saving Lives, Rediscovered
A California donor rediscovered a love of donating blood after happening upon a Vitalant blood drive.
Michelle gave blood once in high school and “I always remembered the experience as a positive one,” she said. But due to scheduling issues she couldn’t get into a regular routine, “so, out of sight, out of mind,” and she didn’t donate again.
Fast forward 15 years, and Michelle happened across a Vitalant mobile blood drive. On a whim, she stopped in and donated. That’s all it took to ignite a drive in her to give as often as she could.
“My current goal is to get to that 100-lifetime-donations level! But I would love to make it to 500!” Michelle said. “I want to be among that crowd. Yes, I have a little bit of a competitive side in me.”
The California donor is already up to 88 donations, thanks to switching to platelets, an automated donation she can make up to 24 times a year that often helps cancer patients.
”I’m ecstatic to be able to give more often! I still do a whole blood donation at our community blood drive held at our local news channel once a year.”
Michelle’s also glad her husband, Richard, recently has been able to join her in donating. He was deferred due to being stationed in Germany in the 80s (a ban that has since been lifted), and health issues that have since been resolved. 
“We go together and then have a lunch date at a local pizzeria, and run any other errands, as our donation center is in the next town over from home,” Michelle explained. “Just being able to do something I am passionate about together with him is amazing. It's a whole new type of bonding for us.”
Michelle said getting into the habit of donating regularly has been easy. “I just keep it as a routine and schedule my next donation as I'm finishing a donation, or line up multiple appointments.”
Michelle's workplace also hosts blood drives, and she encourages coworkers to donate by sharing her knowledge of the various donation types and the donation process.
And of course, she’s always happy to share how good saving lives feels. “When the notification comes that my donation is being utilized, my heart swells knowing I'm helping others I may never meet.”
- By Taitia S., Vitalant contributor