“What really happened was, I never wanted to donate blood before,” Redbird Narry Kim ’93, ’99, M.S. ’95, said after donating her 53rd pint through the American Red Cross. She always found the idea of being “stuck” a bit scary.
In August 2011, while reading an article, Kim discovered that the American Red Cross was laying off people because of cutbacks. The article had an impact on her.
“They’re such a vital and relevant organization,” she said. “They do so much more than blood donations.”
While brainstorming ways to contribute, she came up with the idea to donate blood. Although she feared needles, she felt a duty to donate. Donations can help those in need of blood ranging from injuries to lifesaving surgeries and helping treat diseases. Kim’s late brother, San Kim ’96, suffered from a form of muscular dystrophy. It’s a disease that over time weakens the muscles and causes decreased mobility, making everyday tasks difficult and often leading to a shortened lifespan.
He wanted to donate but couldn’t due to his condition, so Kim continues to honor his memory by regularly donating because she feels it’s something her brother would have supported.
After overcoming her fear, Kim advocates for the need to donate blood by sharing her experiences with friends in person and on Facebook. Currently, she donates every two to three months with a plan to give 10 gallons (or 80 pints) by 2028. Her actions are even more impressive given the fact that the Red Cross provides about 40% of the nation’s blood supply while only 2% of age-eligible individuals actually donate.
Kim knows how unpredictable life can be and wants to assist others in need.
“There may be a time when I or someone I care about would require a blood transfusion, so maintaining blood banks is a benefit for us all,” Kim said. “In fact, I think we would all benefit from living in a world where more people regularly care about and assist one another because no one knows when you may need help.”
As a key value of the University, civic engagement is a lifelong responsibility that allows Redbirds, like Kim, to become engaged global citizens working toward the betterment of society. The Center for Civic Engagement can help if you are interested in becoming civically engaged. You can also look for ways to be a part of #RedbirdImpact Month during June.
