Rodney Wilson

Runner, traveler, history nerd, linguist, blood donor, communications guy @RedCross. Have raced in 33/50 states so far! Opinions are my own.

[Rodney Wilson @RunningRodney]

My #running goal is to #race in all 50 US states. I just completed state 33, North Dakota! Please share race suggestions I can add to my list! #runnerscommunity #run50

[Central & Southern Ohio Red Cross @ARCcsor]

We have an urgent need for blood and platelet donors and we're counting on YOU to act now. Donors of all blood types are essential in keeping the blood supply strong enough to withstand summer challenges. Please make your appointment to give. https://t.co/wPaOA7ldoC

[Rodney Wilson @RunningRodney]

Proud to now be in the 2 gallon donor club! #DonorForLife 💪@RedCross

[Red Cross Michigan Region @MIRedCross]

Today we announced an innovative program with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office that helps ensure lifesaving blood is available when and where it's needed - before a patient reaches the hospital. Read more: https://t.co/xnBCg4NO9H

[American Red Cross of Tennessee @RedCrossTN]

Ray Swadley gave blood for the first time in 1958. More than 60 years and 44 gallons later, he recently walked beside his grandson at his first Red Cross blood drive.

One donation can save a life—and inspire the next generation. 🩸

Click to read more:
https://t.co/TbnLbTUvQ9

[Rodney Wilson @RunningRodney]

@RedCrossTN Love this!

[RedCrossMA @RedCrossMA]

Team Red Cross runner Maritza Stabile stopped by the CPR Booth at the Athlete's Expo on Friday to say hi to the Red Cross volunteers teaching hands-only CPR. Maritza is part of our 60+ person charity team in this year's Boston Marathon. Good Luck Maritza!

[Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region @RedCrossNorCal]

“The best part is being able to help the community… to give somebody a better quality of life or regain their quality of life,” says Xavier Leanospinedo, lead manufacturing technician in San Leandro.

#LabWeek

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

The most important picks are the ones who know how to save a life.

We teamed up with 20 NFL Legends for lifesaving CPR and AED training. As coaches in their communities, they're prepared make the right call when an emergency breaks the playbook.

Side by side, these respected voices in football are proving that skill and leadership don’t end with the final whistle. They show up in the critical moments that matter most.

This training is part of our ongoing partnership with the NFL and a shared commitment to safer, stronger communities. Through the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, we’re working together to champion CPR education, emergency action plans and access to AEDs in schools and athletic spaces nationwide.

[Variety @Variety]

Metallica Drove 40,000 Blood Donations in the Past Year, American Red Cross Says https://t.co/jEYCrtRxcx

[Rodney Wilson @RunningRodney]

Hello Wednesday. #Columbus #ohio #sunrise 🌞

[Rodney Wilson @RunningRodney]

Spring, is that you?

[Rodney Wilson @RunningRodney]

Hello Thursday. #Columbus #ohio 🌞

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

For more than a decade, donating platelets has been part of Matt Behring’s life. He’s rolled up his sleeve more than 200 times, donating over 600 units of lifesaving blood products for patients in need. But recently, this familiar habit gave him something he never expected — an early warning sign about his own health.

Last August, while the Red Cross was offering free A1C testing in an effort to build better community health and awareness, Matt donated platelets and received his results.

“It really made me pause and think about my overall health,” he said.

The test showed his A1C level was elevated — something he hadn’t been aware of at all. That moment pushed Matt to take action. With encouragement from his wife, Mattea, he shifted to a zero‑sugar diet and made a few intentional changes to his daily habits. The result? He lost 14 pounds and feels better than he has in years.

“Seeing the numbers laid out so clearly was motivating, and it helped me make a few small adjustments to my daily routine and be more intentional about what I’m doing for my long‑term well‑being.”

For Matt, platelet donation began as a simple lesson for his son, who was afraid of needles. He wanted to show him there was nothing to fear, so he set the example. That moment grew into a passion for helping others, a routine he cherishes because of the good it does for patients fighting cancer, experiencing trauma, or facing critical medical needs.

“You’re giving something that can make a direct, immediate difference,” Matt said. “The process is smooth, the staff is always kind, and you walk away knowing you’ve done something truly worthwhile. I believe that it’s one of the simplest ways to make a real impact.”

Now, that routine is helping him stay healthy — through the A1C testing we offer and the routine checks donors receive with every visit, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin measurements.

“I think it’s incredibly important that the Red Cross gives donors access to this kind of information,” Matt said. “It’s such a valuable added benefit. Not only are you helping patients who need platelets, but you are also getting meaningful feedback about your own health. It makes the whole experience feel even more impactful.”

We’re expanding our health offerings this Red Cross Month with free A1C testing for all who successfully give blood through March 31 (one test result per donor in a 12-month period). Gain valuable information about your blood sugar levels over the past three months by making an appointment to donate blood: https://t.co/y7Je2yVRov

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Knox is the sixth child in his family. His parents, Jessica and Andy, expected him to be another healthy newborn just like his older siblings. But the moment he arrived, everything changed. Knox was taken to the NICU right away, and at just 2 weeks old, he received his first blood transfusion for a rare disorder that causes his red blood cells to be destroyed far too quickly.

Since then, Knox’s life has been shaped by the rhythm of his blood counts. When they drop, so does his energy. Headaches settle in. His skin grows pale. His legs ache. He struggles to sleep, and his bright personality fades. Each sign is his body’s way of saying it can’t keep going without help.

And then comes the blood transfusion.

“His cheeks become rosy again,” Jessica said. “His energy returns. He’s singing in the car, laughing and playing.”

For Knox’s family, the transformation feels almost instant — a hope‑filled reminder of what one unit of donated blood can do.

Most days, Knox is a lively, energetic 4‑year‑old who loves basketball and soccer. But without timely transfusions, even the simplest joys slip out of reach. The little boy who was running and smiling just hours earlier suddenly grows quiet, tired and withdrawn — a sharp contrast to the spark they know so well.

Still, Knox never complains.

“He never asks ‘Why me?’” Jessica said. “He doesn’t compare himself to his siblings or focus on what he can’t do. He just lives life the only way he knows how – happy and full of spirit. Most people who meet him would never guess what he faces.”

Before Knox, his parents had never donated blood. They simply didn’t know how profoundly one donation could change the course of a child’s day — or a family’s life.

“We never donated before Knox was the one in need,” Jessica said. “We didn’t know. But now we do. We understand that blood donors give families like ours the most priceless gift: time, energy, childhood, and life.”

Their hope in sharing his story is simple: to help someone else understand the impact they can make.

“Somewhere out there, another child just like Knox will walk out of a hospital with rosy cheeks and a second chance, all because someone took an hour to donate.”

Our national blood shortage means children like Knox are counting on donors more than ever. One hour of your time can help bring color, energy and comfort back to a child who depends on regular transfusions to feel like themselves again. If you’re able, please make an appointment to donate blood: https://t.co/wSZqURKXjK

[GNY Red Cross @redcrossny]

Emma knows that people around the world have traumas and she can help them by donating blood. ⬇️
(Video produced by Kevin Suttlehan)

[Rodney Wilson @RunningRodney]

My #running goal is to #race in all 50 US states. I just completed state 32, Arkansas! Please share race suggestions I can add to my list! #runnerscommunity #run50

[Rodney Wilson @RunningRodney]

I ran the Little Rock Half Marathon @LRMarathon! Check out that bling with a literary theme. #runner

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Don’t miss your chance to score exclusive Red Cross x @Metallica merch while helping patients in need amid our national blood shortage.

Those who make an appointment using the link below and come to give blood through Feb. 28 at any Red Cross blood drive across the U.S. will get:

- An all-new, limited-edition Red Cross x Metallica T-shirt by mail, while supplies last.
- Entry for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind ESP Snakebyte guitar, featuring the exclusive Red Cross x Metallica design created by famed Metallica artist Squindo and personally autographed by all Metallica band members.

Help save lives and make an appointment to donate: https://t.co/vjJbkZeNd6
Terms and conditions apply, other entry available.

[Rodney Wilson @RunningRodney]

Hello Saturday. 🌞 #Columbus #ohio #sunrise