A couple of weeks ago, my phone lit up with a call from a number I didn’t recognize. Normally, I would let it ring, but something told me to pick up. On the other end was a kind woman thanking me for my past blood donations. Then she shared something that stopped me in my tracks—our state, and much of the nation, is experiencing a severe blood shortage. Lives were on the line. Without a second thought, I said, “Say less. Let’s set the appointment.”

Dear John,

What began as a passion for serving others has grown into a mission—using my expertise to educate and give back to communities everywhere.