I wasn't always able to give blood.

The first time I tried -- as a high school senior, many years ago -- I fainted after the finger stick to check my iron level.

I didn't even make it to the donor chair.

This was at a blood drive attended by many friends and classmates. I got teased about it and was embarrassed. For many years, I thought I wouldn't ever be able to give blood.

But one of my heroes, my...