American Red Cross - Sussex County Chapter

Why I Give...

by Elle Ayala, Stanhope	April 16, 2011
I started donating blood when I was 19 years old. I'm now 31 and donate as often as possible. At one point, I lived near a trauma center with its own in house blood bank and I was able to donate every 56 days. I came to find out my blood directly helped a woman with sickle cell anemia and my exact blood type receive regular transfusions. I became even more touched by this simple act of donating blood. Donating blood is one of the easiest, simplest, least time consuming ways of making such a profound difference in the lives of fellow Americans. I'm not a fan of needles any more than the next person, but a two second pinch is a small price to pay to save someone's life. Someone you love may one day need a life-saving transfusion and it will be available because of the generous few who donate. I would encourage everyone who is able to do so make regular appointments every 56 days for this short, simple act that provides a precious life resource for free.

by Bob Colyer	June 8, 2009
Why would I not?

by Wendy Douglas, Andover	June 8, 2009
In 1973, while in college, Boston University sponsored a blood drive. They had a huge poster showing that out of 100 people, only 6 people had my type of blood which is A-. I decided then to donate blood whenever I could, to help others.

by Joy Edgington, Newton	June 8, 2009
Jesus gave his blood for us and others need mine so why not give when others need.

by Anonymous, Lafayette	June 8, 2009
People need it and the only way they can get it is if people donate it.

by Sherry Hill, Newton	June 8, 2009
I donate blood because if your body doesn't need it, why not help to save a life. Your life may be on the line one day, and you may need blood.

by Michael W. Schoen, Newton	June 8, 2009
I serve on the board of the Red Cross and my father has had several surgeries requiring blood transfusions.

by Brian Keenan, Newton	June 8, 2009
In thanks for my excellent health. I am CMV so my blood is perfect for preemies, persons in chemo or compromised immunity, e.g. AIDS.

by Robert Distefano, Newton	June 8, 2009
To help alleviate the shortage of blood. You never know when you are going to need it. Besides, you get a good feeling when you give.

by Lauren Myers, Newton	March 30, 2009
I have lost family members from cancer and they needed blood so I know if people didn't give blood he would not have lasted as long as he did before he went so I would like to hear that I helped others to keep their family members.

by Denise Bogle, Montague	March 30, 2009
I give because the Red Cross was there for my parents during/after hurricane Charley and for all the Red Cross does throughout the year.

by Michael Schoen, Newton	January 26, 2009
I give blood to help those in need. At any time, any member of my family could need a blood donation and I hope that others would do the same for us. I give specifically at the Sussex County Red Cross because I serve on the Board of Directors and I support the organization in every way possible.

by Richard O'Brien, Jr., Newton	January 26, 2009
To help save lives.

by Robert Young, Sparta	January 26, 2009
It's good to give blood. One day I may need some.

by Stephanie Verwys, Sparta	January 26, 2009
I give blood because I've always heard it's a good thing to do.

by Carmelina Cirasella, Andover	January 26, 2009
To help others.

by Luke Liddy, Newton	January 26, 2009
I have a rare blood type.

by Tia Cooper, Newton	January 26, 2009
Started in school.

by June Whitwortt, Newton	January 26, 2009
For a good cause.

by Andrew DelGuidice	January 26, 2009
It is fun.

by Anonymous, Sparta	January 26, 2009
I am a universal donor!

by Jessica Milliron, Sparta	January 26, 2009
This is my first time giving blood. I think it is a simple way to do my part for the community.

by Lavinia Hand, Sparta	January 26, 2009
I started to donate when I was eligible at 17 years old, just as a community service. Little did I know about 13 years later I would be a recipient of 4 units when I hemorrhaged after childbirth. I continue to donate whenever I am eligible. I am a nurse and EMT and know the value of blood donations.

by Anne Kakerbeck, Newton	January 26, 2009
I have O- blood and I want to help people.

by Walter Cramp, Denville	January 26, 2009
To help others in need.

by Anonymous, Newton	January 26, 2009
Just because if I needed blood I would hope somebody would donate some.

by Sheila Maher, Branchville	January 26, 2009
I would like to help other people if I can.

by Gordon Morrison, Newton	January 26, 2009
To help the American Red Cross.

by Donald Muller, Newton	January 26, 2009
Why not. I'm a volunteer fire and EMS person. I see a lot first hand and to help is what I'm all about. You have to believe and I do.

by Jessica Matthews, Newton	January 26, 2009
I want to help people out if they need my blood.

by Krista Wicker, Sparta	January 26, 2009
I'm A-.

by Susan McDermott, Andover	January 26, 2009
I have O- blood and I know there is a need for that type so I want to help anyone I can.

by Volunteer Firefighter, Mt. Arlington	January 26, 2009
Always in need!

by James Caple, Newton	January 26, 2009
I've got lots to spare if someone can use it!

by Rodney Buskirk, Jr., Newton	January 26, 2009
To help others in need.

by Desarae DelSantro, Lafayette	January 26, 2009
I give blood because I am an O+ blood type which is rare. It is a good way to give back to a person in need.

by Keith Petrowski, Newton	January 26, 2009
Niece and nephew with cancer.

by Ellen Leach, Newton	January 26, 2009
I have been in the health field since age 18 and realize how important donating is.

by Ben Keene, Lafayette	January 26, 2009
My mother has had 2 bouts with cancer and numerous surgeries. Because people donate, she's a cancer survivor. Others gave so I'm giving too.

by John Luba, Sparta	January 26, 2009
I have seen the Red Cross in action being a firefighter in Irvington and this is my way of giving back.

by Bill Day, Newton	January 26, 2009
Regular giver.

by Gena Novak, Newton	January 26, 2009
To help those that need blood, give them a chance to live to fullest life, help people who have cancer and really need my help.

by Valerie O'Brien, Newton	January 26, 2009
Because I can! It doesn't hurt & leaves no side effects. It's a small way to help someone in need.

by Anonymous, Andover	January 26, 2009
To help someone. It is good for me and them.

by Michele Adamski, Newton	January 26, 2009
Life is precious.

by Joe Patorich, Branchville	January 26, 2009
To honor my father who donated like clockwork for many years.

by Anonymous, Stanhope	January 26, 2009
To help.

by U.S. Veteran	January 26, 2009
Give gift of life!

by Glenn Cox, Franklin	January 26, 2009
To help people who are in need of blood, may save their lives.

by Anonymous	January 26, 2009
Always donated, my blood is type for newborns.

by R.W. Doidge, Newton	January 26, 2009
Been donating for years.

by Claire Michele Helfrich, Andover	January 26, 2009
There are always blood shortages.

by Mr. Helfrich, Andover	January 26, 2009
My wife has always done it. I have never given blood before so I thought what the heck I admire my wife for doing this.

by Argyro Protogenopoulos, Newton	January 26, 2009
I like to help other people.

by Derek Pinto, Sparta	January 26, 2009
This is my first time donating blood and I thought about a friend of mine who was involved in a car accident and lost 2 pints of blood and luckily the hospital he was sent to had his type on stock and after spending a week on a bed regaining his strength I'm reminded his life was saved through the Red Cross' blood drive programs so I'm here to do my part.

by Emilie Dupont, Highland Lakes	January 26, 2009
I don't have a lot of money or a lot of time, but I've got plenty of blood I can give. (Too bad money & time don't replenish themselves like blood does!)

by Karen Puccio, Stillwater	January 12, 2009
It is just so easy to give knowing so many people can benefit. Why would you not donate if you are able?