September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time to recognize those living with the disease and better understand the inherited blood disorder that affects hemoglobin. In people with sickle cell disease, red blood cells can become rigid and sickle-shaped, restricting blood flow and causing anemia, severe pain, and other serious complications. Blood transfusions are…

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize those affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other cancers of the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. It is also an opportunity to honor patients, survivors, families, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers. This observance has a close connection to SBC’s mission. Blood cancers and treatments such…

If you’ve ever considered becoming a blood donor, there is no better time than now. September is a month dedicated to bringing awareness to blood and childhood cancer causes that affect thousands of children every year – many who benefit from, or survive because of, blood transfusions. Here are a couple of causes we hope...

  In 1983, the federal government designated September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month in an effort to bring awareness to the disease and focus on the need for research and treatment (American Society of Hematology). What is Sickle Cell Disease? Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a life-long illness that affects between 90,000 and 100,000…

For the De La Torre family, donating blood is more than just giving back. It’s a way to honor the memory of a beloved father, grandfather, and man who always put others first. Described by his family as hardworking, faithful, patient, and deeply devoted to those he loved, Jesus De La Torre was the heart…

Stanford Blood Center volunteers come from all walks of life, bringing unique experiences, perspectives, and motivations to the donor centers and blood drives each day. Some are longtime healthcare professionals, some are just beginning their careers, and others are inspired by family traditions of giving back. Together, they help create a welcoming experience and warm…

I’m afraid of needles. I was the kid who had to be pinned down any time my pediatrician gave me a shot. I never considered donating blood and now I can’t imagine ever not doing it. I’ve been both a recipient and a donor. In 2011 and 2012, I had two periacetabular osteotomies at Stanford…

Donating blood has become part of the rhythm of Eileen and Michael Consiglio’s lives, and something they share together. The couple, who regularly donate at our South Bay center, recently reached their 100th whole blood donation, an incredible milestone reflecting years of dedication and generosity.  Both Eileen and Michael have been longtime donors. Eileen recalls…

For nearly five decades, Tom Scoles has been part of the community of donors at Stanford Blood Center. What started as a simple act during high school has grown into a lifelong commitment to helping patients in need. Recently, that commitment led to an unforgettable reward: a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the biggest game in football…

For 22 years, I’ve worked for Stanford Blood Center (SBC), but my personal connection to blood banking goes far beyond that and crosses generations. I was born in 1980 with Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA), a rare inherited bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by a lack of production of red blood cells, which can require chronic…

At Stanford Blood Center, we often hear from patients whose lives have been touched by the generosity of blood donors. We recently heard from Chana Sandberg, who, after experiencing a sudden health crisis while on blood thinners, found herself in urgent need of a transfusion. Her journey from patient to hopeful donor is a powerful…

Dr. Tamara Dunn is a Clinical Associate Professor of Hematology at the Stanford School of Medicine, Associate Chair of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Medicine, and a practicing hematologist at the Palo Alto VA. In this conversation, she shares insights into her clinical work, her passion for mentoring the next generation of medical...