Photo 1: Suzana Batista, blood donor / Photo 2: Blood donation at SJC Photo 1: Personal archive / Photo 2: Blood Center of São José dos Campos What began as a gesture to help a boss who needed heart surgery turned into a routine of solidarity that lasted more than three decades. Since 1992, retiree Suzana Batista, from São José dos Campos (SP), has made 70 blood donations and helped save hundreds of lives. This Sunday (14), when World Blood Donor Day is celebrated, the story takes on a special meaning. About to turn 70, she is one of the biggest blood donors in the city and made her last donation in April, as the maximum age allowed to donate is 69 years old. The first donation took place while I was working in São Paulo. One of the bosses needed heart surgery and the employees rallied to help. ✅ Click here to follow the g1 Vale do Paraíba and region channel on WhatsApp "I started donating blood for a boss who was undergoing heart surgery. Then I decided to continue here in São José", he recalled. What was supposed to be a single donation became a commitment. Over the years, Suzana began to attend the blood bank regularly, returning every four months. The only break came during the period when I was trying to get pregnant. Over time, she created a close relationship with the blood center team. When it took a long time to return, especially in times of low stocks, I used to receive calls reminding me of the importance of my contribution. For Suzana, donating has always been a simple act, but capable of impacting many people. "I think everyone should do this. It's very gratifying to know that a little bit of blood you take will help four or five patients," he said. After 34 years of donating, the retiree says the hardest thing is accepting that the time has come to stop. "I would like to continue, but I can't. If I could, I would." Who can donate blood? Instructions for donating blood Blood Center of São José dos Campos According to Paulo Pontes, responsible for recruiting donors at the São José dos Campos Blood Bank, donating blood is a simple process, but requires some care. People between 16 and 69 years old can donate. However, the first donation must be made by age 60. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian or present signed authorization. Additionally, it is necessary: Weigh more than 50 kilos; Present official document with photo; Be in good health; Not have the flu, cold or any infectious process. Paulo also highlights that it is not necessary to fast. Those who intend to donate in the morning can drink coffee, tea, juice and eat fruit, bread and toast. Those who are going to donate in the afternoon should avoid fatty foods at lunch and wait at least two hours before donating. A gesture that saves lives According to Paulo, a single donation can benefit up to three people. This happens because, after collection, the blood goes through a process of separating the components, which can be used by different patients, depending on each one's needs. "With a donation, the donor saves three lives. The blood is separated into components and each of them will be used by a patient according to their needs", he explained. He also highlights that donation is an act of solidarity that can make a difference for people undergoing treatment, accident victims and patients in need of transfusions. "It's a gesture of love for others, which is very noble," he said. The São José dos Campos Blood Bank is open from Monday to Friday, from 7am to 4pm, at Rua Antônio Saes, 425, in the Center. If you have any questions about your ability to donate, interested parties can contact us by phone (12) 3519-3766 or WhatsApp (12) 98360-0011. See more news from Vale do Paraíba and the Bragantina region