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Lori High started donating blood and platelets to help people undergoing cancer treatment. “Several of the women in my family were diagnosed with various types of cancer, and platelet and blood transfusions were a vital part of their treatment,” she said. “Cancer has hit my family’s women pretty hard, and I know first-hand just how important blood donations are.”
Last summer, Lori attended a NASCAR race at the Michigan International Raceway and heard about Red Cross Racing, a program designed to encourage loyal NASCAR fans to become dedicated Red Cross blood donors and to raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations. She went to the Red Cross Racing exhibit and officially registered at redcrossracing.com. Since then, Lori has registered each of her blood and platelet donations online, getting points for her blood donation activities which can then be exchanged for Red Cross Racing gear.
“I saw the exhibit and asked a few questions,” she said. “I thought it was a neat thing to do and was excited about the Donor Rewards program.” Lori has exchanged her points for two die-cast cars, can coolers, two captain chairs and a Biffle card.
Lori wants to thank Greg Biffle and Roush Fenway Racing for bringing this issue to the forefront of people’s minds and making people more aware about the importance of blood donations. “It is just really important that everyone does their part – even if it’s just once or twice a year – to help their fellow man.”
Last year, Lori attended a cancer benefit with her sister, a 14-year breast cancer survivor. They were sitting at a table, and the woman next to her commented that she had to have platelets earlier in the week. Lori told her that she had given platelets the weekend before. It turned out that Lori and her table-mate shared the same blood type. While she doesn’t know for certain, Lori said “It’s possible that she had received my platelets. It gave me chills just thinking about it. She was very thankful and it gave me a really good feeling, and made it more personal for me seeing someone that I may have helped personally.”
Sadly, Lori’s mother passed away recently, after a battle with cancer herself. “I know what my Mom went through,” she says. “Donating blood and platelets is my little way of contributing and helping others out. That’s why I do it.”
