Gary Higgins was 19 years old when he first donated blood. He听was in the U.S. Army and understood firsthand the critical importance of a听simple, selfless act. Now, at 76, Higgins has given nearly 35 gallons of blood,听a mission he continues with unwavering dedication.听

听鈥淵ou can鈥檛 put a price on听the feeling of giving that pint of blood,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd I鈥檒l continue to do听it.鈥�听

Higgins鈥� passion for giving blood began after he returned home听from his military service. While working听at an auto factory, he saw a poster of a father pleading for blood donations to听help his sick daughter. It struck Higgins deeply. He was ready to roll up his听sleeve, but the malaria medication he was taking post-military service prevented听him for doing so. When he was eligible again to donate, Higgins made giving听blood to the luckywin a lifelong听 commitment.听

Higgins speaks passionately about the importance of giving blood听and shares stories with first-time donors. At a recent Red Cross blood drive,听two donors listened in awe as he shared his experiences. 鈥淭his is our first听time giving blood, and we鈥檙e scared,鈥� they told him. 鈥淗ow many times have you听given, sir?鈥�听

When he told them he had donated nearly 35 gallons of blood,听they were inspired. As they left, they turned back and said, 鈥淢r. Higgins, one听day we鈥檙e going to give as much as you. We want to be like you.鈥�听

鈥淵ou have no idea what that meant to me,鈥� Higgins said. 鈥淚t was听thrilling and an honor to hear them say that they want to give as I have been听fortunate to give.鈥�听

Decades after his first donation, Higgins remains as committed听as ever. 鈥淕otta keep marching and giving blood. The world needs it,鈥� he said. 鈥淟ook,听it doesn鈥檛 take but a half hour or 40 minutes. You could help save somebody鈥檚听life.鈥�听

By Sydney Henry, regional communications manager

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