Krysta Meinzer, Henderson County Chapter, Hendersonville, N.C.

My journey with the American Red Cross began with my parents telling me about my mother's father, who passed away before I was born. My grandfather was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 42, and my parents donated their blood during his chemotherapy. Without their donations, the quality of my grandfather's life would not have been as high as it was when he underwent treatment.

My parents' actions inspired me to begin donating blood. I was 17 years old when I first donated, at my high school blood drive. Although I continued to donate from that point on, I wanted to get more involved in the community during my time at college. A suitemate of mine suggested I volunteer at the Red Cross chapter near the college. The Catawba Valley Chapter made me feel right at home from the very first day I was there.

A few months after I began volunteering at the chapter, I decided to compete for the title of Miss Hendersonville, a Miss America preliminary scholarship program in my hometown. Each contestant is required to have a community service platform; naturally, I chose increasing awareness of the need to donate blood. After winning the title of Miss Hendersonville, I began working with the Henderson County Chapter.

Through the Red Cross, I have spoken to high school seniors about recruiting donors for blood drives and taught elementary school students about what blood products are made of and what they do. I also have volunteered at numerous blood drives in the Hendersonville area.

At each blood drive, it is evident that the donors are proud to be a part of their community, whether they are donating for the first time or the fiftieth time. I have found that being a blood donor through the Red Cross instills a sense of pride within the community.

 Read more "Why I Help" stories
 Read about the 2008 American Red Cross ad campaign, "Change a Life"