I have been trying to tell people this for 20 years! In 2000, my beautiful niece (now 21) was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer. My brother felt very shamed how much blood she was using at children's hospital and the only thing I could do to calm him was to help. I put together a huge blood drive in her honor, got radio stations, businesses, all my friends and family.

At the time, I had no idea Red Cross would Double Cross. The director told me all would be great and the Children's hospital would benefit greatly from my efforts. We had a huge turnout!

I called the hospital to tell them the great news. The blood donor department manager sounded grim. I asked why....

"We will never see any of that blood. It doesn't matter what they told you. They will make us pay for each pint. We don't have the ability to do that... I am so sorry".

I was CRUSHED. I put so much time and effort into this, all my friends drove from far and wide... to have their blood sold for profit.