Our lifesaving mission would not be possible without the generosity of our volunteer blood donors, including recent first-time blood donor Aimee Myers. Aimee serves as the Executive Director for the William J. and Bonnie L. Hefner Foundation, and after seeing a social media post about the need for blood, she made the decision to roll up a sleeve. At first, Aimee was nervous to donate blood but felt called to make a difference.
“It’s not often that you get to do something that’s going to help someone who really needs it,” said Aimee.
Prior to becoming a blood donor, Aimee knew the importance of the Red Cross mission, as the Hefner Foundation has helped fund a bloodmobile and cargo van in Fort Wayne for biomedical services and supported our California wildfire relief efforts earlier this year. The Hefner Foundation’s mission is aimed at helping the community, and Aimee’s dedication to serving others fueled her decision to donate blood.
“I was very nervous going in,” Aimee recalled. “The people are so nice. They’re really good at calming you, answering any questions and alleviating your fears.”
Aimee also encouraged Indiana Region Philanthropy Officer Brittney Remesnik to join her and donate blood. It was Brittney’s first-time giving blood, and following her donation, she laughed at her prior worries. Brittney said bringing someone to support you can help calm any nerves and give you confidence as you donate blood.
After donating, Aimee happily shared, “I feel like I’ve done something good today.”
Both Aimee and Brittney have already signed up for another donation appointment in October, and Aimee is bringing along her husband — another first-time donor.
If you are interested in donating blood, schedule an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Written by Communications Volunteer Mallory Kempf.