I have always given blood, since I was 17 yrs. old. I gave when it was asked on the news for disasters, earthquakes, 9/11.  I was in line immediately, and on a regular basis. I have given more than a couple gallons of my blood and I am happy that I was able to. I always knew it was a real big help, I just didnt know how big. Then my mom got cancer, and was very sick from the medicines and become really anemic. Her blood count became so low that she needed blood. It was a major realization of how big of a difference such a small bag of blood makes. I still have my mom, and I am so glad I was able to be a part of her recovery in more ways than one. I will never stop donating. The next small bag of blood could be the hope that another person’s mom or loved one desperatly needs. Thank you guys… all of you!