The Heartbeat: Inspiring Stories from The Heart

For many of us, life is starting to feel normal again. Outdoor temperatures are rising, many of us are beginning to return to our routines and travel, summer is so close! We are always thankful for the generosity of our blood, platelet, and plasma donors, but especially over the last 18 months. Your willingness to show up, to dedicate your time and to help save lives means more than you will know. Read on for the latest stories and updates from your Red Cross Community!

James and Kimberly Van Der Beek Share Their Story
Kimberly and her husband, actor James Van Der Beek, know firsthand how important blood donations are. Kimberly required lifesaving blood transfusions following the tragic experience of back-to-back pregnancy losses at 17 weeks. In both instances, she was in and out of consciousness, rushed to the hospital by ambulance and needed blood immediately. “Donating blood is something that I’ve always done throughout my life,” James said. “It seemed important. But I never knew how important until the woman I love most was in a situation where that much blood made the difference between life and death.” To watch Kimberly and James share their heartfelt story and why donating blood matters so much, click here.

Watch Here

Experience Blood Donations in a New Way
Everyday heroes like you have the power to help save lives! With our new Interactive Donor Story, you can choose how you will help. Follow the journey of a blood donation, with unique audio and imagery, and explore an immersive online experience through donor recipients sharing their stories.
Explore Here

Check Out Our Newest T-Shirt!
Have you mapped out your plans for the long Memorial Day weekend? It’s not too late to schedule a blood donation. Come in to give May 28–June 13, and get our new Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last!* It’s one of our best T-shirt designs yet. (Or at least we think so.)

Schedule Now

World Sickle Cell Day is June 19
Join thousands of blood donors worldwide this June by giving in support of those fighting this disease. It’s estimated that sickle cell disease affects approximately 100,000 Americans, most of them being African descent. There is no widely used cure, and patients can require frequent blood transfusions as part of their treatment. To learn more about sickle cell disease and how you can join the fight, click here.

Learn More

When You Want to Donate Blood, Just Ask Alexa or Google Assistant!
With our Blood Donation Alexa skill and Google Action, you can quickly find nearby blood drives, make or adjust appointments to donate blood, platelets or Power Red, review your donation history, and receive reminders as your donation day approaches. This experience is available for popular Alexa-enabled devices including Echo and Echo Show and Google Assistant-enabled devices such as Google Home and Google Nest Hub.

Google Assistant
Amazon Alexa

Did You Know?
Nearly 50% of donated platelets go to treating cancer patients. For many cancer patients facing chemo and radiation treatments, platelets – a clotting component of blood – can help give them the strength they need to fight another day. The Red Cross especially needs platelet donors right now. Learn how to be a #CancerKicker by giving platelets, click here.

Kick Cancer Here

Red Cross Turns 140!
In the 140 years since Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross, people have come together in innovative ways to serve and provide hope during emergencies. From humanitarian services to vital blood banking, the Red Cross has continued to help others with the generous support of our volunteers. Celebrate our legacy of caring with our latest video, watch here.
Learn More

We Can’t Say Thanks Enough!
With no substitute for blood and no way to manufacture it, volunteer donors are essential for hospital patients in need of transfusions. Without donors like you, we simply could not do what we do. Every day, thousands of patients depend on the generosity of our blood, platelet and plasma donors. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! Our partners at Amazon would like to send you a little something to brighten your day in thanks for giving patients a summer full of life. Come to donate June 14-30 and we’ll send you a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card^ by email.