Sarcoma caregiver: Why I started giving blood at UT MD Anderson Blood Bank

When someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, it can make you feel like you need to do something about it right away. That was certainly how I felt when my wife, Jamie, was diagnosed with a rare form of soft tissue sarcoma in November 2024.

But aside from acting as her cheerleader once she got to UT MD Anderson, I quickly realized there wasn’t much for me to do. So, I decided to give back in another way: by donating blood at UT MD Anderson Blood Bank.

Donations can boost morale and reduce treatment delays

I don’t remember how long ago I found out I could finally give blood. But I was glad to hear it. My dad was in the U.S. Navy when I was growing up, and our entire family went with him when he was stationed in Italy. Because of mad cow disease and some other restrictions back then, I wasn’t eligible to donate blood for a long time. But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has since lifted those restrictions, so now I can.

I got the idea to give blood at UT MD Anderson Blood Bank after Jamie needed a couple of transfusions there. Her treatment plan included six rounds of chemotherapy, which knocked down both her red blood cell counts and her platelets. They bounced back pretty quickly after the first couple of rounds. But as the effects of chemo accumulated, she struggled, particularly in the later rounds.

Feeling like crap all the time can really wear you down. So, I was grateful to all the people who’d donated blood whenever Jamie needed it.

She went into each infusion looking pale and very tired. She came out looking pinker and more energetic.

Just having that little boost of energy really improved her morale. It also allowed her to continue her treatment without any delays.

Donation opportunities can be convenient and come to you

Jamie is doing really great now and has shown no evidence of cancer since 2025. So, I give blood as often as I can, in thanks. It just seems like such a small way to pay it forward.

I usually make an appointment when UT MD Anderson sends one of its mobile donor coaches out to The Woodlands. That’s pretty close to where Jamie and I live, so it’s easy to get to.

I plan to keep donating blood at UT MD Anderson Blood Bank for long as possible. I just feel called to do it now as a way of honoring what somebody else did there for my wife. I can only pray that my donations do as much good for other people as someone else’s did for her.

Schedule an appointment to donate blood at UT MD Anderson online or call 713-792-7788.