Ellen Lods - Every Drop Has a Story
Story as told by Ellen,
Buffalo is my home. It’s where I raised my two sons, where I became a grandma to three grandchildren, and where I’ve found meaningful ways to give back to my community.
Serving others has always been close to my heart. Whether through my church or volunteering with Friends Feeding Friends, a nonprofit that provides meals to people experiencing homelessness in downtown Buffalo three times a week, I believe that the smallest act of kindness can make a tremendous difference in someone’s life.
My connection to blood donation, however, is deeply personal. In 1986, I lost my brother to AIDS. He was among the many lives lost during the early years of the epidemic, when so much was still unknown and so many families were experiencing unimaginable heartbreak. His loss changed my life forever. Since then, I have made it a priority to donate blood whenever I can, always in his memory. It is one small but meaningful way I can honor his life and turn my grief into something that has the power to help others.
I began donating blood with ConnectLife, and I specifically donate at their Southtowns Donation Center on Union Road. One thing I truly appreciate is how easy and welcoming they make the entire donation process.
For me, donating blood is about more than giving. It’s about remembering someone I love, serving my community, and knowing that somewhere, someone may get another chance at life.
My brother’s life and memory continue to inspire me. And every time I donate, I hope that in some small way, his legacy lives on through the lives that may be saved.
Because sometimes the greatest way to honor a life is to help save another.
Thank you to Ellen for sharing her story. Has her story inspired you to share your own? Submit your story to be our next hero highlighted as our Every Drop Has a Story: https://www.connectlife.org/everydrop
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