Donate blood in honor of Steven this Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is approaching and seeing red heart decorations everywhere makes me think of…blood. Well, I’m thinking about how important it is to donate blood!

Steven received numerous blood transfusions while undergoing cancer treatment. These transfusions were critical in giving his body the strength it needed to fight.

Cancer can lead to anemia in a variety of ways (effects of chemotherapy, internal bleeding, and affecting bone marrow). But transfusions also help those who don’t have cancer: sickle cell anemia patients require transfusions throughout their lives, motor vehicle accident victims frequently require transfusions, and even those undergoing surgeries may require transfusions due to blood loss.

According to the Red Cross, only 3% of eligible people donate blood. Team Steven can change that!

I began to donate blood regularly soon after Steven’s diagnosis. It was a small way that I could join in the universal battle against cancer and make a difference. Now, giving blood is a way I can honor Steven’s memory.

When I think about Steven, his generosity comes to mind. Making the generous decision to give a part of yourself to help someone else proves that we are “stronger than sarcoma.”

Did you know that a single donation can save up to three lives?

If you’ve never donated blood before, the process may be intimidating, but it’s simpler than you may think. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to check your eligibility, make an appointment, and learn about what to expect at your donation.