For Father’s Day, we celebrate those whose quiet example created a powerful tradition of generosity. Their legacy lives on as their children continue to save lives today.
Here are some of the stories donors shared with us.
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Anne, a Colorado blood donor for 40+ years and blood drive coordinator for 30 years, remembers the night the hospital called her father, Frank, with an urgent request: A local boy with leukemia desperately needed blood, and Frank was a match.“He got up, dressed and drove 100 miles to donate to that young boy. I can still picture that night,” she said. “Each time I donate, I remember my dad and that long ago night over 60 years ago. I know my dad is watching and smiling and so proud of me.”
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“I grew up with my dad donating blood and plasma. When I got old enough to donate, I was thrilled.
"Dad died in 2012; I love giving blood because it keeps his memory alive to follow in his footsteps. It is a family tradition; my brother and sister give blood too!” – Christy, Colorado
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“My dad used to donate whole blood. I remember as a child watching and getting to eat cookies afterwards. It was something I looked forward to!
"After a family member was diagnosed with cancer, my dad made the switch from donating whole blood to donating platelets. Over the years my desire changed from wanting to eat cookies to wanting to help people.
"My dad and I would go together during Covid (pictured). After losing him in 2022, donating has been a way for me to continue to feel close to him.” — Stephanie, Colorado
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“My journey as a blood donor began as a young professional at blood drives in my workplace. I followed the example set by my dad, a WWII veteran and a career Defense Department employee. He gave regularly through his life, and I felt I should, too. All totaled I believe I've donated over 80 units.” — Ken, Pennsylvania
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“My Dad would have turned 90 (last year). One of his requests of me and my siblings was to give blood as he always did. For Dad, and those in need of blood.” — Marty, Colorado
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“I started donating blood as a college student when I was 17 because my dad was a long-time donor. That was almost 40 years ago. I eventually started donating platelets and usually donate every three weeks.”— Margaret, Wyoming
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“I was born with a birth defect that had me sick most of my first 18 months. At 21 months old, I had major abdominal surgery … I needed a blood transfusion."I grew up knowing that Dad was a regular at the blood bank. When I (was old enough), the answer was obvious. Find the nearest blood drive and donate.
"I have lost count of how many donations I have made. I donate plasma, whole blood ... whichever is most needed at the time of a blood drive ... and host seven blood drives a year.
"I am just forever thankful to the person who saved my life.” — Jeanne, Arizona
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“As a child, I remember seeing my dad give blood. I was so curious about it. How much do they take? What if they take too much? Are there really cookies at the end?
“He told me this was something he considered easy to do, but with the most powerful impact. As a type O individual, he said that our blood could be used by most anyone in their time of need.
“I had my very first blood drive in high school. I was so excited and felt so proud to finally have the opportunity to help others. Since then, I made it a point to donate as often as I could. I passed my 30th donation!” — Jade, Arizona
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“My father is the main reason I started giving blood. He was an avid and faithful donor
. Every other month he would give a pint and get the coolest T-shirts for my sister and me to use as nightshirts. I still remember the one with a cartoon chicken on it: “Don’t be chicken, give blood!”"I started donating whole blood … 17 years ago and I have given 94 more times since then. I enjoy the swag from donations but knowing that I have possibly saved lives in just 15-30 minutes is amazing.” – Andrea, Tennessee
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“I started donating blood when I was 18. My stepdad was very involved in the community, and one way was donating his blood. One day he invited me to donate. I have donated for 23 years when I am eligible. I feel good knowing that my blood is used to help others in a time of need!” – Brittany, Wyoming
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“My father had a rare blood type and was on call to give blood in Ohio where I grew up. I began donating when I was 18 following my father's example. Since moving to Arizona in 2001 I've donated more than 240 times. I must have donated more than that from when I lived in Ohio. I now donate five times a year and would donate more if allowed.” – David, Arizona