Behind Every Donation is a Reason

Whitney Knutson

Director of 1^st Impressions, CFS

Branch Associate, RJFS

In December 2020, I received a call from Montana about my 15-year-old daughter, Emma. She had been in a vehicle accident. There were no details—no indication if she was alive or dead. We were living in California at the time while she was staying at our family ranch. I sat paralyzed for hours, waiting for news. When the call finally came—“She’s okay”—it felt like my heart started beating again.

Over time, we learned what had happened. Emma was one of five teenagers driving 70 mph on a dirt road without seatbelts. They took a turn too fast, rolled down a 100-foot embankment, and had no cell service. Three of the teens walked away. Emma and her friend did not.

She suffered a severe head injury, a fractured orbital bone, broken ribs, and a badly sprained ankle—along with the emotional trauma of the crash. Despite her injuries, she held her friend in her lap, turning him on his side as he choked on blood filling his lungs.

Her friend’s injuries were critical from being ejected through the windshield. He was airlifted to Salt Lake City, where blood transfusions saved his life. Blood loss could have taken him from us. Instead, because strangers chose to donate, he was given a fighting chance.

I donate blood because I can—because it is the difference between life and death.

Why wouldn’t you want to be the difference?

Elizabeth Braley

Data Management Specialist, CFS

Branch Associate, RJFS

To answer the question why I donate. I don’t have a personal connection in a way where someone I am close to needed blood donations. I could tell you about my father and my grandfather. Both donated blood their whole lives until they were no longer able, which has inspired me to do the same. I could tell you about my sister who has had health issues since childhood. I can imagine her needing a blood donation one day. I could tell you about my mother who had open heart surgery long before I was born. Blood donations were essential to a smooth procedure. I could tell you about my grandmother, a nurse who saw firsthand the impact donating makes. I could go on and on.

The truth is, I don’t do it for one single reason. I do it because growing up, I was taught it was a great way to give back. Since I’ve been blessed with good health, I feel it is a privilege to be able to give.

I think the simple reason I donate because it is a small thing that can make a big difference. I like to put out as much good into the world as I can. So, if sparing a few minutes of my time every now and then can improve lives or even save lives, that is so worth it.

Michelle Stahl

Partner & Chief Operating Officer, CFS

Office Manager, RJFS

I’ve always believed that some of the most meaningful ways we can impact others aren’t always the biggest or most visible—they’re often the simplest. For me, donating blood is one of those simple things.

It doesn’t take long. It doesn’t require a special skill. And I probably won’t meet the person on the receiving end. But that’s what makes it so powerful. In a small, quiet way, it’s a chance to show up for someone in a moment when they need it most.

Because one day, my family was on the receiving end of that kind of generosity.

When I was young, my mom was battling cancer. During that time, she needed multiple blood transfusions just to keep going. I can still remember her talking about it—not with fear, but with deep gratitude. Gratitude for people she would never meet. People who took a little time out of their day to give something that literally helped save her life. That stuck with me. It made something feel very real: that strangers can change your story.

Now, every time I donate blood, I think of my Mom. I think of the people who gave her more time with us. More conversations. More memories. More life.

And I think about how I get to be that person for someone else. I may never know their name. I may never hear their story. But I know what it feels like to be on the side that’s hoping, praying, and incredibly grateful that someone chose to give.

Sarah Micek

Experience Team Manager, CFS

Branch Associate, RJFS

I know it’s a small act that can make a big difference – I always leave feeling grateful for the opportunity I have to help others.