Imagine, for just 2 seconds, that your life hangs in the balance and the only people that can save you from certain death, are complete strangers.

I do not have to imagine it, I live it - everyday. Instead of being a victim of a rare blood disorder or the survivor of a near death experience, I choose to be a LIVING TESTIMONY of the need for blood donors. As an advocate and spokesperson working with the nation's two largest blood collection organizations, I hope to connect donors to the lives they save through education, encouragement and open communication. Together, we can save lives, one pint at a time.


Every 2 seconds, someone requires a blood transfusion to live.

That's why "It's Hip 2 Give!"

Check out the "Are You My Type?" commercial!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Blood Transfusions Help in Cancer Treatment

I have stated numerous times during speeches, open forum discussions and general conversations that cancer patients can require regular transfusions during their treatments. Take the time to read this heart-warming story about a patient diagnosed with Stage 4 - Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2005 and how blood transfusions have helped keep him alive.

UNC-Chapel Hill Blood Drive


From the article: “Blood transfusions are critical to the successful treatments of patients with diseases like cancer when they are undergoing chemotherapy, as well as patients in surgery where loss of blood during the operation can be a major problem,” - “While we try to reduce transfusions, we can never avoid them altogether and would be unable to undertake life-saving treatments like organ or bone marrow transplants unless we had blood products such as red blood cells or platelets available for our patients.”

Blood transfusions and the availability of blood products have a direct impact on many other treatments, surgeries, and long-term recovery directives. Whether a blood drive is scheduled in your area or you need to visit a blood bank, I encourage you to donate today.

North Carolina is the state that holds my heart and is where my family calls home. If you are in the UNC Chapel Hill area on June 7, I suggest you visit this annual blood drive to help those in your community, in your town, and in your family.

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