VISUALLY-impaired Minnie Aveline Posadas Juan, who has become a source of inspiration to many for her determination to finish school and who later graduated valedictorian with a degree of Bachelor in Elementary Education, has again distinguished herself as a ”Galloner” blood donor.

Minnie received special recognition as a “galloner” from the Philippine National Red Cross Pangasinan Chapter, along with two others, Josephine Arenas for having donated blood 50 times, and Louie Fernandez, 45.

Minnie recalls that before she lost her eyesight at age four, she loved looking at colors, especially red, and was amazed at the sight of blood whenever she suffered a cut.

Her decision to participate in the bloodletting activity was prompted by a text message from a friend about a parable of the pig and the cow where the pig asked the cow that gives milk, “Why do people look at you with reverence when in fact people also benefit from a pig once slaughtered for its meat?”

Minnie recalled the cow’s reply: “Dear pig, it’s not about what you give when you’re already dead. It’s about what you give while you’re still alive.”

“That really inspired me to give something while I’m still living and I really want to give something that is priceless. I decided I should donate blood,” she said.

It was during one of the foundation anniversaries of Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation (VMUF) in San Carlos City, owned by her parents, when she first donated blood.

The 27-year old Minnie has been a galloner since 2006 and from that time on, she’s made it a point to donate blood at least once, and up to three times a year.

“The feeling (of donating blood) is so good, it’s a very fulfilling sacrifice,” she added.

“God may have taken away from me my eyesight but that should never be a reason for not sharing my blood, my life with other people,” she said.– Eva Visperas

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