# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DKscD1qvi98
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72588683-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/6b870275e8.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-06-09T21:00:28.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

Every two weeks, Jean Samaniego drives 80 miles round trip to donate platelets with SoCalRedCross. She doesn't do it for recognition, but rather, because she knows firsthand how much it matters.

“A few years ago, my wife needed blood,” Jean shared. “I was thankful that somebody stepped up and donated blood at that time. Without unselfish donors, I don't know where my wife would be."

Jean has donated more than 350 units of platelets in total, helping patients fighting cancer, undergoing surgery or facing traumatic injuries. Her commitment is unwavering.

“I know that I’m blessed and able to give, so why not?” Jean said. “I will continue to donate as long as God allows me to.”

When she is not donating platelets, Jean donates her time as a Red Cross disaster volunteer.

“I believe that we have an obligation to help others,” Jean said. “Big or small acts, recognized or unrecognized.”

For Jean, donating platelets is deeply personal and rewarding.

“I never know who receives my platelets," she said. "I just hope that I’m helping somebody celebrate another birthday, enjoy another day with their family. That’s all I hope for.

“The Blood Donor app shows a map of where my platelets have gone. They’ve traveled as far east as Philadelphia, north to Michigan, and south to Alabama. My platelets travel more than I do!”

Jean encourages others to join her in giving the gift of life.

“Please donate blood or platelets. You never know when you or someone you love will need it. Because you know in your heart that you’re doing an act of kindness and maybe saving someone’s life.”

#DonateBlood #GiveBlood #DonatePlatelets #PlateletDonor #DonateBloodSaveLives #GiveBloodSaveLives

## Stats

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- **Likes:** 194
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- **Comments:** 8

## Credits

No public credits are recorded here. This does not identify who made the post.

## Tags

donateplatelets, giveblood, donateblood, plateletdonor, donatebloodsavelives, givebloodsavelives

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