Michelle Hardin-Pineda honored her late husband on Wednesday, by donating blood on her birthday in Kent.

Two years ago, Michelle and her husband Henry were in a serious motorcycle crash. He did not survive.

But she did, and in good health two years later, she says she owes it all to blood donations. Her hope now is to pay it forward.

“This is one of the things,” she said. “I lost my husband in the accident, but he was always there to protect everybody else and give for everybody else. And this doesn’t seem like much, but I get to give back a little.”

Michelle’s donation comes at a critical time.

Bloodworks Northwest says Memorial Day typically sees an increase in car and boat accidents that result in traumatic injuries requiring blood transfusions. And as we head into summer, the organization historically sees low donation levels, so every donation counts.

Bloodworks is the sole provider for 95% of hospitals in Western Washington and Oregon.

To help meet extra demand, all 13 Bloodworks donor centers are open on Memorial Day. You can find a list of those locations and find a link to book your appointment at this link.