By Lisa Smock

Last January, my neighbor invited me to participate in his church’s blood drive. I learned that I am a universal donor – one whose blood can be shared with premature infants and patients with immune deficiencies. People, like my closest family members, who went through cancer treatments or suffered severe injuries from car accidents, are the types of patients who receive blood transfusions as they recover. The blood donation process is easy, quick, and helps hospitals in constant need of all blood types. It is one small way to make a positive impact on someone’s life.