The only source of blood used by hundreds of patients each day are the hundreds of donors who come to our centers and blood drives. Their gift of time and precious blood are what make our vital work possible. The stories our donors tell are uniquely personal to each and every one of them. Yet they all agree that giving blood is one of the most generous acts of kindness that one human being can do for another. When you give blood, yes, you do save lives.

Pete Piersons
A constant amid the eclectic.

His is an eclectic life. Service in the Navy, work with the U.S. Postal Service, entrepreneurial adventures, education. Yet throughout the chapters, years and miles of Pete Pierson’s journey is the constant of his dedication as a blood donor. The hour every two months that is set aside to save lives.

This black belt in karate was admittedly intimidated at his first thought of giving blood more than three decades ago. Ever since, the focus has been shifted to the receiving end. The people in the many corners of the world where he donated during military duty, whose lives could be changed by a single transfusion. The pain of burn victims that might be eased by his own platelets.

Life’s opportunities are all about finding needs and filling them, Pete says. And in this he has found his own fulfillment. Now working toward a degree in education, Pete wants to share his passion for the natural environment by teaching biology to high school students. No doubt he will lead by example, as he has done as a donor of more than 10 gallons of lifesaving blood in Northern California alone. No doubt he will challenge youth to embrace life with the same sense of conviction and creativity.

Mike Brady
The answer is always inside.

Automatic, but not without thought. Longstanding, but never old. For Mike Brady, giving blood is a meaningful tradition. An opportunity to fulfill a patriotic sense of duty. A means for expressing his own gratitude for good health. A chance to give back to the community.

A retired electrical engineer, husband of 46 years and father of three grown boys, Mike has quietly saved lives for more than four decades. It all started when he signed up for the annual blood drive at work. He remembers a great sense of fulfillment in being able to help those in need. A great feeling of pride in stepping forward. After later receiving some of his own blood during surgery, Mike realized first hand the remarkable impact. He always knew that giving blood was the right thing to do. But the amazing boost within his own body was a feeling he says he will never forget.

A celebrated donor of more than 10 gallons of blood and platelets and plasma, Mike sometimes finds himself looking into the eyes of strangers who might be recipients. He often wonders as he visits sick friends or listens to people tell of survival from disease and misfortune. You never know who might be alive today because of your blood, he says. The need is always there, and the answer is always inside.

Julie DeLaRosa – Blair
Eager to make a difference.

Eternally happy and easy-going. Passionate and energetic. Julie DeLaRosa-Blair embraces life and its opportunities. She loves to share laughter, and to see the smiles that surface. She enjoys giving blood and the incredible feeling that comes with knowing she's making a difference. She finds contentment in being someone others can count on.

It was at 17, when she was eager to be an official adult, that Julie first signed up with her friends for a blood drive at their high school. This was her way of declaring “I’m not a kid anymore.” She grew up even faster the day she learned of her brother’s car accident. The situation was touch-and-go. The transfusions were many. The family was gripped by shock and fear. But with her experience giving blood and even working in a blood center for a short time, Julie was able to comfort her parents with her knowledge of a blood supply that’s safe and assured.

After 15 years, her commitment to giving blood is as strong as ever. She knows the supply is only constant when donors give. Julie carries with her today the same abundance of energy and compassion, along with an awareness of just how fragile life can be. Ask Julie, and she will tell you: It’s amazing to think of the power you can have to impact people’s lives even at 17 years old. You can’t vote, but you can save lives and truly touch the world.

Kathy Anderson
Poised with grateful purpose.

Encounter Kathy Anderson and you will immediately sense the optimism and cheerfulness. The strength and purpose. The contentment and peacefulness of a grateful wife, mother and grandmother.

From the moment Kathy received a blood transfusion in her twenties, she was determined to pay back every pint. But it didn’t stop there; she continued to target every two weeks for giving platelets and plasma over the many years that followed. Then came the tragic accident that placed her husband’s life in jeopardy, a toppling tree that landed square on his body. Kathy remembers bag after bag of blood being hung. She remembers going to donate during Martin’s six-month stay in the hospital, and wanting to hug every donor. She knew if the people weren’t giving, the blood wouldn’t be there to save his life.

It’s almost like karma to have donated all those years and then to have someone so close to her need blood and receive it, Kathy says. It’s become so much more than just paying back. To be strong and healthy is a blessing, she says. It feels good to be able to give.

John Mims
A jovial generosity.

He laughs large. He lives large. He gives large. John Mims doesn’t believe in holding back. His contagious laughter carries across a room. His heartfelt actions reach an impact even beyond his own knowledge. Such jovial generosity stems from John’s constant eye on the brighter side of life. A look at the best in people and situations.

It was more than 20 years ago when John first donated blood as part of a company program that would store a supply on contingency for his own family members. What began as a practical venture turned into a larger purpose. Eventually the program ended, but John continued to give every eight weeks. He had come to appreciate that human blood is something science can’t reproduce, and money can’t buy. He understood that slowing down and taking time to help others is such a small sacrifice for the purpose and peace of mind it brings. Most of all, he realized that as just one person, he could truly make a difference.

John is sometimes curious about the specific people his blood has helped. But, bottom line, he is content enough just to know that lives are saved. You can’t help but be captivated by John’s cheerful outlook, and to be pulled into the laughter that comes so naturally. But what John wants most, he says, is for others to be inspired to share in the joy of giving lifesaving blood.

Ed Bugher
An ever kind and faithful duty.

We miss our special friend
Ed Bugher
1931 - 2005
15 Gallon Donor

Quiet and determined. Ready and quick-witted. Loyal and kind. Ed Bugher has always made sure that others get where they’re going in life. Whether refueling aircraft in flight on his many tours of duty, giving fellow veterans a lift by van, or donating blood that makes life itself possible for countless people in need.

Ed spent many a day and night on alert duty during a career with the Air Force and Strategic Air Command that took him across the globe. Today, he is just as ready at any moment to offer a lending hand. It was for a friend in the service that Ed first took pause to give blood. Then came the drive for an Eagle Scout in the local community, with bimonthly visits to BloodSource ever since. In three decades of faithful donations, Ed has given more than 13 gallons.

With the Midwestern work ethic of an Indiana upbringing, the determination of a 51-year marriage and the camaraderie of an Air Force career, Ed has always kept his eye on the prize while attending to important details. At the heart of every endeavor he chooses is the importance of service to others. Everyone he knows does something to give back, Ed says. To make a difference in people’s lives is what gives you a true feeling of accomplishment.

Tell Us Your Story

If you are a blood donor, please tell us your story. When did you start giving blood? What made you decide to become a blood donor? May we share your story with others?

Please call (916) 453-3713