Blood Donor Highlight, Janice Burnett
- cpfentner
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Story as told by Janice,
My father was a lifelong blood donor. He donated every chance he could. I remember the pride in his voice when he talked about being part of a special "Gallons Club" for his donations. He passed away three years ago at the age of 94, but he donated blood well into his 80s!
I started following in his footsteps as a young adult, rolling up my sleeve and hoping to make a difference. At first, I was nervous. (A lot of people are.) But I always tell those who are hesitant: donating blood isn’t as scary as it seems. You’re surrounded by kind professionals who stay with you the entire time, checking in, and making sure you’re comfortable. It’s over before you know it, and you walk away knowing you’ve done something truly meaningful.
Over the years, giving blood became more than just a habit—it became a personal mission.
My late husband became ill during the last two years of his life. He needed multiple blood transfusions. Each bag of blood felt like a gift. Then when my brother was in need of a heart transplant, he needed transfusions. And I’ll never forget the 11-year-old girl from our church who found out she had cancer. During six months of chemotherapy, she received multiple blood transfusions.
I also discovered that my own blood type is somewhat rare, and that I am the universal donor type. If I have the power to save lives, how could I not?
So now, every time I donate, I think of my father. I think of my husband, my brother, that brave little girl. Giving blood is more than a donation. It’s a legacy that I’m proud to take on.
Has Janice's story inspired you to share your own? Submit your story to be our next hero highlighted as our Blood Donor Highlight here: https://www.connectlife.org/blood-donor-highlight
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