# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CyLxpIWsr8B
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/9306358-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/bb6cf85498.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-10-09T16:00:38.000+00:00

## Caption

Craig Wilson started donating blood 45 years ago, driven by the desire to help during an increased need for blood donors.

“I believe that when you receive blessings in life, you really have to give something back,” Craig said. “I’ve been blessed with good health, and this is my way to pay it forward.”

He made the switch to donating platelets when a RedCrossNorCalCoastal staff member explained to him how doing so could help people survive and fight cancer, chronic diseases or traumatic injuries. Many lifesaving medical treatments require platelet transfusions.

Today, Craig has donated 835 units of platelets all while conquering a fear of needles.

“When I first started, I wasn’t that thrilled about needles,” he said. “Then, I learned that needles are not the enemy. They are just something they need to use to take your blood. I used to turn my head away, avoiding looking at the needle, but then I became interested, asked a bunch of questions to the collection staff, and now, I’m not afraid anymore.”

For Craig, regularly donating platelets is all about helping others, and we need helpers like him more than ever. As we continue to face a national blood and platelet shortage, donors of all blood types are urgently needed. Please, schedule an appointment to give by tapping on the link in our bio.

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

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 477
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## Tags

blooddonor, donateplatelets, giveblood, donateblood, plateletdonor, donatebloodsavelives, givebloodsavelives

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