American Red Cross

I began donating whole blood when I was a high school student in the late 1970's. I lost my father to cancer at the age of three. I didn't know that it was cancer until I was much older, but that has always been my motivation for giving. I have always felt a strong desire to give of myself for others, especially when I have been blessed with such good health.

I am always urging others to give blood if they are able. Two of my three children are now blood donors as well! My youngest being 16-years-old, was just able to give for the first time last fall at his high school with the new lower age limit. I am going to encourage him to give again this month at their spring blood drive.

I am also on the National Bone Marrow registry and pray that some day I will be able to save another life through a gift of marrow as well! Some people think lifetime donors like me may be a little crazy, but it is so comforting to know that a little of my time can give someone a LOT of time.....their LIFE!

Kim Pierce