Paul DiLorenzo
Paul DiLorenzo was diagnosed with thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder, at the age of one. Paul has received well over 2,000 units of blood over his lifetime and will continue to receive blood every three weeks for the rest of his life. Paul and his wife, Melissa, enjoy their wonderful life together because people give the gift of life. Your commitment, compassion, and hope give Paul and others like him a second chance at life. Donate blood today and help save lives through the gift of blood.

Sharlan Skrupa
Born four months premature, Sharlan Skrupa weighed just 1-pound, 9-ounces. She received her first blood transfusion within 24 hours of her birth and spent three months in the neonatal intensive care unit. Like many premature infants, Sharlan battled a variety of conditions, including jaundice, respiratory issues and anemia. During her hospital stay, she received a total of 15 blood transfusions to treat her anemia and improve the oxygen level in her blood. Today, she is a healthy, vibrant two-year-old affectionately known as “Shar the Star” by her family and the hospital staff that provided her early care.






Indra and Zulma Michaca
Indra Michaca became ill at her 7-year-old cousin’s birthday party. Her family took her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with kidney stones and severe dehydration. She received fluids and was released. A few days later, she fell into a coma and was rushed to the hospital. This time, her doctors diagnosed fulminating liver failure. She was placed on the transplant list and miraculously received her liver the next day. She received numerous units of blood before, during and after her transplant surgery. Indra and her sister Zulma now share the importance of blood and organ donation with their peers.