These Couples Are Passionate about Saving Lives

Brenda and Bill: Overcoming Fears Together to Save Lives Through Blood Donation

Like many people, Bill and Brenda really don’t like needles. In fact, Brenda will tell you she hates them. Yet, as owners of a health club dedicated to helping others lead healthier lives, they understand the health benefits of donating blood. When blood donation became deeply personal, they overcame their fears and began saving lives together. 

Two years ago, Brenda’s mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Sadly, she passed away, but during her fight, she received blood transfusions that kept her going. Brenda often thinks, “What would have been her option had it not been for blood transfusions?”  

Several months later, Brenda’s sister found herself needing some very serious surgeries and she still, on occasion, receives blood transfusions. Without donated blood, her sister may not be here today. 

Bill and Brenda dedicate their lives to improving the health and well-being of others. For them, donating blood is an extension of that mission — saving lives while overcoming their own fears. Now passionate advocates for Vitalant, Bill and Brenda do all they can to support this mission. Whether promoting local blood drives, sharing social media posts, or spreading awareness in their community, their dedication is unwavering.

“Getting past our fears is challenging, but it’s necessary,” they emphasized. “Please donate when you can. Your gift of blood helps families like ours.”

 
Tim and Alana: Donating Together Is like a Date Night

Tim and Alana began their journey together as blood donors five years ago, a passion that has enabled them to double their impact on patients’ lives.

Alana has been donating blood since high school, beginning with school blood drives. After she met her future husband, Tim, he told her donating sounded kind of cool and asked to tag along. The rest is history. Five years later, and the couple is still going strong. 

Perhaps more than most, Alana understands the value behind donating blood. She has given blood for more than two decades.

“I have family in the medical field, so I know the background, how serious some of this stuff is,” Alana said. “Knowing that I can help in some way is really beneficial.”

Tim feels the same way, and they both agreed that donating together is like a date night.

“We do it together sometimes,” Tim said. “Knowing that you’re helping someone by donating your blood, sitting there for 10-30 minutes, it feels good.”

Alana learned the value of blood from her mother, who also made donating a habit. “My mom is in the radiology field. She’s the blood type that can be donated to babies. She likes to brag about that. Knowing all the differences it can make, both in the medical field itself but also day-to-day life, kind of helps.”

Alana continues to encourage others to donate blood. “There might be a mobile [blood drive] not far from your workplace, or maybe try and encourage your workplace to do a blood drive, and then it’s not an inconvenience at all because you pop in on a break. Give it a shot,” Alana said. “It can change a life.”