My story about voluntary blood donation goes back to 1982, during my military service in Senta. After a serious car accident in the city, which urgently required many units of blood, without hesitation, I knew it was something I had to do. Thus began my forty-year journey as a voluntary donor, during which I officially donated blood 110 times.

There were emergency calls—outside the regular schedule of donation—when I was called to filter blood for platelet collection at the Blood Transfusion Institute of Serbia in Belgrade, to help patients with leukemia, including, among others, our retired colleagues. What made me go on, what motivated me not to give up? Every time I donated blood, the next time seemed even more important. I could not fail those who needed help; I couldn't be late because, unfortunately, there is never enough of this precious liquid.

Each blood donation left me feeling healthier and happier, especially when I had the opportunity to meet those I helped. Their grateful looks, without a single word, spoke volumes. My company, Hemofarm, has been supporting our efforts for decades through various drives, making me part of a large humane family of voluntary blood donors since my first day. Let me to remind the younger generation that Hemofarm's section of voluntary blood donors was among the pioneers in the territory of the former Yugoslavia in terms of the number of units and the number of blood donors. Calls from our city hospital in Vršac were always met with a massive response from people ready to help at any time.

Looking back, I feel that my blood donation has contributed significantly to my health, chronic disease-free life, and I believe it is responsible for my long-lasting sports career. Each donation felt like a kind of reset. It is a deep feeling, which comes directly from the heart, without calculation.

As soon as you decide to donate blood, you have already achieved a lot, both for yourself and for those who need it. So, take that step. Overcome that first fear because it is somehow ‘sweet’ when you realize and hear how wonderful it is, when you look back and realize how many lives you have saved and helped others in need.

It's a wonderful thing, you decide for yourself and in that decision you give a part of yourself so that others can continue their lives.