Why I Donate

Blood donors are everyday heroes whose donations save and enhance the lives of patients in need.  Your donations not only benefit our community, but the nation also, including New York after 9/11, New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Region following Hurricane Katrina and the U.S. Military through Bonfils' contract with the Department of Defense.

Here are a few reasons why some of the nearly 120,000 donors in Colorado choose to give the gift of life and donate blood:

 “I’m hale and hearty, why not?” Bill Cell, 64-gallon donor and Bonfils’ highest gallon donor

“I’ve been donating since I was a 17-year-old girl scout.  It was an easy way for me to give back when a lot of people can’t or won’t.” Sharon Cole, 64, 8-gallon donor

“I finally realized that just because I was over 60 didn’t mean I couldn’t give blood. Besides, my blood type is o negative and there’s always a need for that.” Eva Distel, 75, 2-gallon donor

“Other than the cookies and ice cream afterwards, I get a good feeling.  I always wanted to give that gallon.  As soon as I reached one gallon, I wanted that next gallon; soon I reached 50.” Ned Habich, 60, 50-gallon donor

“Two and a half years ago my mom got a rare bacterium in her stomach.  She bled internally for four days without knowing and almost died.  She received four to five units of blood, which saved her life.  Now I donate to save lives.” Matt Knight, 28, 1-gallon donor

“I’d always wanted to give blood, but never had.  When a friend asked me to give blood, I decided to try it.  It’s a good thing to do.” Katie Finn, 19, first-time blood donor

“It affects the whole community like a ripple effect. One person can touch another by your actions.” Mindy Kraut, 1-gallon donor