By Charvee Sharma, American Red Cross Volunteer
A little competition is always healthy, more so when it involves saving lives! And that’s the spirit behind Janet Spangle’s pursuit to donate blood.
As a young child, Janet grew up watching her firefighter dad accomplish the 50-gallon mark, an achievement only a few donors across the US have reached. When she grew older, a fun rivalry helped her journey of donating blood. Read all about it here:
What motivated you to make your first donation?
“When I became an adult, my boss and I would give blood together. We’d race to see who could fill up our bags the fastest – he always won! One day, the phlebotomist told me that I would never win because he had veins like hoses and I had veins like a thread.
My daughter now gives blood even though see is afraid of needles. It makes me so impressed to see that she feels and understands the importance of giving.”
What would you tell someone who is considering blood donation for the first time?
“It is an easy way to make a you feel good about helping people you don’t know!”
While predicting accidents and chronic illnesses is not possible, the need for hospitals to stay prepared in stocking up blood is. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are willing to donate, make your appointment via the Red Cross Blood Donor app, online, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).
American Red Cross NW Region 