September Newsletter 2026

Fall invites us to slow down and appreciate what matters most. 

One blood donation can help a patient in need, while a lifetime of giving can change countless lives. 

This month, we’re celebrating the dedicated donors, advocates, and community members whose ongoing commitment continues to make a lasting difference for local patients.  

Thank you for being such an important part of our lifesaving mission. 

With gratitude, 
Your Blood Bank Family 

Blood Supply Needs

Blood Types Especially Needed: A-, B-, O-, O+

Schedule Your Donation Today!

(619) 400-8251  |  Find a Donor Center  |  Find a Blood Drive

News

A Well-Deserved Moment of Recognition

San Diego Blood Bank donors David “Qual” Curington (above left, with VP of Donor Services, Leslie Eagan) and volunteer Mike Freet (above right) were recently recognized as nominees to the Fresenius Kabi Hall of Fame for their contributions to the blood donor community.

Their commitment to helping others serves as a powerful reminder of the difference dedicated donors can make in the lives of patients and families. We congratulate Qual and Mike on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their continued support of our mission and local patients.

Blood Donors Help Shape Stories of Hope

September is Blood Cancer and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize the incredible impact blood donors have on patients like Caroline.  
 
During treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma, Caroline relied on blood and platelet transfusions through some of her hardest days. Today, she’s cancer-free and enjoys dancing, reading and making memories with the people she loves.  
 
Patients like Caroline remind us that blood donation helps make more joyful moments possible for local families.

Featured Story: Celebrating a Legacy of Generosity & Impact

Guardians Circle member Michael Podd recently reached an extraordinary milestone: 100 gallons donated.

His dedication to helping others has helped ensure lifesaving blood products are available for patients when they need them most.

Reaching 100 gallons is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the difference one donor can make.

We congratulate Michael on this milestone and thank him for his incredible commitment to helping save lives.

 

Mark Your Calendar

PROMOTION: OCTOBER 1-31, 2026

Lend a Hand.

Saving lives is a beautiful thing.

Donate blood and receive a special-edition T-shirt featuring Thing® from the Addams Family®.

Schedule Your October Donation

*THE ADDAMS FAMILY® and THING® are registered trademarks of the Tee and Charles Addams Foundation. Promotional shirts are officially licensed articles manufactured by Mad Engine, LLC. This promotion is independently organized by San Diego Blood Bank and is not sponsored by the Tee and Charles Addams Foundation or Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

LAST CHANCE: HOWL-O-SCREAM TICKET

Last Chance to Give Blood and Get Goosebumps

Make a difference in our community and enjoy a scary good time on us.

Donate before September 30th and get your ticket* to Howl-O-Scream—San Diego’s largest Halloween nighttime event at SeaWorld San Diego.

Schedule Your September Donation

*Tickets are available while supplies last. Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event. Restrictions may apply. Vouchers are non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and not for resale. © United Parks & Resorts, Inc.

For more information visit: sandiegobloodbank.org/howloscream

SAVE THE DATE: GIFT OF LIFE BENEFIT

Help Keep Our Mission in Motion

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the powerful impact of our mission, with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, a silent auction and moving patient stories.

Proceeds from the 2026 Gift of Life Benefit will support the purchase of a new bloodmobile, ensuring that lifesaving blood remains accessible for local patients.

Held in the beautiful setting of Vesper Venue at Liberty Station, this event promises to be a meaningful celebration of our lifesaving community.

Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Tickets: $100 | RSVP by October 5
Space is limited, so reserve your seat today.

Learn More & Purchase Tickets

SAVE THE DATE: SD WHO CON BLOOD DRIVE 

Make Time for a Lifesaving Adventure

Whovians, This One’s for You! 
Join us at the SD Who Con blood drive at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley, October 17–18.

The best part? You don’t need a convention ticket to donate! The blood drive is open to the public, so schedule an appointment and give alongside fellow Whovians.

No TARDIS required.

Ready to donate? Choose your day & time:
10/17 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
10/18 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Guardians Circle

Join more than 14,000 Guardians Circle members who are committed to helping our community thrive by signing up today!

The Guardians Circle Pledge Program is for donors who want to make a difference by donating regularly throughout the year. Guardians Circle members receive special opportunities throughout the year as a thank you for going above and beyond.

September Newsletter 2026

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