June Kawamoto
A most gracious mindset.

Giving is simply her mindset. There is hardly a second thought. Even as June Kawamoto finds more freedom to enjoy travel in retirement, she still gives of her treasured time to volunteer. Even amid treatment for cancer, she has found great comfort in the distractions of a rewarding commitment and a fun camaraderie.

June began donating blood while in college. She would later become a lab tech, reinforcing her awareness of the dire need for this valuable resource. A resource that can’t be manufactured, she emphasizes. One that is entirely dependent on people who step forward.

June’s willing spirit, along with her involvement in an Asian Pacific donor club, placed her on the path to volunteering. She learned of the needs and naturally sought to assist, whatever the task.

June now tracks the hours and marks the milestones of many volunteers who, like herself, play a critical role in supporting so many vital functions at BloodSource centers. She makes a 30-mile trek to the Sacramento location each week, where she gathers the time sheets from various departments. Where she connects with people who share her amazing dedication.

Tony Muljat
A genuine charmer.

He’s a lovable teddy bear. A genuine charmer. A true gentleman with heart. One warm smile from Tony Muljat and people feel at ease. His love for helping others is immediately evident and undeniably engaging.

Two days each week, Tony sustains a legacy of comfort and good cheer as he welcomes fellow donors in his volunteer position alongside staff at BloodSource. He signed on by simply filling in the blank on a donor receipt, and has been sharing his smiles for the seven years since.

It was decades ago during Tony’s official working days that he first began donating blood and then giving his treasured time to organize drives. His initial drive was set up in a converted boxcar for fellow Southern Pacific employees. Soon after, he found himself motivating members of his local Elks lodge to give blood as well. Throughout the years, Tony has donated blood to a total surpassing 20 gallons. He always jumps at the chance to help people, says Ann, his wife of 54 years. Everyone loves him, especially her.

Nancy Ledoyen
Compelling compassion and cheer.

Tickled at the chance to lighten a heart with good cheer. Centered by concentration in Tai Chi. Thrilled with the descent down a snow-covered mountain. Nancy Ledoyen is constantly energized by the people and purpose around her. She’s never been one to sit still for long, or to let life come to her. For 20 years she’s been compelled to motivate and to give, even if it means sitting still for an hour to donate blood.

As an infusion nurse who runs a cancer clinic, Nancy sees the transformations take place. People enter dependent and weak. They leave with strength, and even hope, restored. Nancy understands exactly what healthy blood means to individuals with life-threatening and chronic conditions. She knows that many are alive today because of the precious blood and blood components they receive. For some, she says, it’s the chance to see grandchildren come into the world. To add days and years. To beat overwhelming odds.

In every person Nancy sees the opportunity to share life. And in her fellow donors she sees the source of the lifesaving stories she witnesses day after day. Stories she gladly takes the time to share so that people will know just how powerful their generous gifts become.

Michael Keffer

A handsome smile. A calming voice. A sincere and warm concern. These are signatures of Michael Keffer and the open heart that focuses his life on service to others.

As the time for his retirement drew near, Michael had begun to consider the potential volunteer opportunities that could be his next step. A blood donor since 1973, he especially noticed the prospect and people right in front of him. The nurses at BloodSource who had become his close friends. The cheerful volunteers who always help to strengthen the spirit. A place where he was happy to be. With shared camaraderie and conviction, he embarked on a commitment to give something as precious as his blood. His time.

Thoughtful and diligent, Michael often shows up at 5:30 in the morning to make sure that all is just right in the donor lounge for the early birds who will give blood before they rush to work. Whether at the crack of dawn or during popular chilidog lunches, people look forward to spending time with this gentle and caring host.

Nik Ratliff

An eager spirit.

Dynamic. Bright-eyed. Brimming with an eager spirit. High school senior Nik Ratliff set out simply to complete a graduation requirement. In the process, she cultivated a deeper understanding for the sense of community, commitment and compassion that were already within.

With Nik's father a scientist for BloodSource, she decided to follow him to work to complete an assignment for volunteer service. While she was filling her hours befriending donors and fellow volunteers in the donor lounge, she began to see a new reality. She had always known the vital importance of donating blood, but coming to know the people who give had now placed everything into a new perspective. She learned of the many paths people have taken, and why this generous act is so important to each. We play a role in helping others, she says, and blood is the one thing we all have in common.

On the road to her own independence, Nik takes to college this strengthened awareness that she will no doubt pass along to others with her natural enthusiasm. All the while, she continues to brighten the days of fellow donors and volunteers with her cheerful presence.

Sharon Smith

Pampering the people she loves. Extending thoughtfulness in mere acquaintance. Sharon Smith has a quiet kindness that speaks volumes as it constantly comes to life in her active commitment.

A blood donor since 1980, Sharon has long been in the habit of giving. It was in the donor lounge that her interest in expanding this heartfelt investment was sparked. Now working behind the scenes with staff, Sharon gives her time to acknowledge and encourage others. Whether packaging gift baskets for donors or baking goodies for fellow workers, she finds her own fulfillment in bringing joy to others as she joins in a very meaningful venture.

It often takes so little to make people happy, Sharon says. And she is grateful for the opportunity to oblige. She is also thankful for the many friends she has made at BloodSource. These are people dedicated to the common goal of serving the community and saving lives. In this harmonious environment, Sharon says, giving always turns into receiving as well.

Tell Us Your Story

If you are a BloodSource volunteer, please tell us your story. Why did you become a volunteer? What is your greatest reward about being a volunteer? What exactly do you do in your volunteer work? At what blood center do you , or did you, volunteer? May we share your story with others?

Please call (916) 453-3713