To Dan Wyrembelski, giving blood is a priority. As a son who lost his mother to cancer three years ago, he said he cannot overstate the importance of blood to so many people.

His mother, Carol Baranic, recovered from bouts with cancer in her 20s, 30s and then 50s. Over the years, Wyrembelski said he learned how critical people giving blood is for patients like his mother.

“Money can’t buy blood,” Wyrembelski said. “It’s got to come from real people.”

Wyrembelski said his mother went as peacefully as possible at home with Hospice care after a final cancer. He said that is when he went from a semi-regular blood donor to donating as often as possible.

“My mom had strength and resilience, but the availability of blood kept her around, too,” Wyrembelski said.

Wyrembelski started by planning a drive on the Michigan State University campus. He said that he hopes his mother’s journey – as well as the journeys of others – will inspire others to roll up a sleeve to donate blood.

“Even if you don’t know someone who needs blood, it is hard to find a reason not to give,” he said.

Wyrembelski said he and his wife often seek ways to uplift the memory of his mother and to honor those they love. Wyrembelski said he feels that his mother is close when he gives blood. She was a choir teacher and was in charge of the school’s musical programs. When he hears a song she would have liked while he is giving blood, he said he smiles.

“I see signs all the time that I am doing the right thing,” Wyrembelski said. “Planning a blood drive is a way to keep mom close.”

Wyrembelski said there are a lot more reasons to give.

“It doesn’t hurt, and it doesn’t take long,” he said. “Why not?