“My name is David Cadet, and I am a travel registered nurse currently working at a psychiatric facility in Syracuse. My journey to this profession has been one of resilience, perseverance, faith, and miracles. The impact of nursing early on in my life has instilled in me a strong desire to give back and make a positive difference in the world.

“I was born significantly premature, along with my twin brother. We weighed less than a pound each and faced various health challenges. It was during this time that I witnessed the dedication and compassion of nurses, who were instrumental in my recovery. In a particularly crucial moment, I received a blood transfusion from one of the nurses taking care of me. This act of selflessness has stayed with me and solidified my belief in the impact that nursing can have on individuals and families.

“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in critical care and behavioral health settings, alongside outstanding healthcare professionals. However, my life was forever changed on December 10th, 2021, when I was involved in a life-altering accident. I received treatment at SUNY Upstate Medical University, where I experienced first-hand the incredible teamwork, innovation, and diligence of the Upstate staff.

“As a nurse, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that blood donations can have on individuals and communities. It is my personal goal to make a difference in this area as well, as I believe in the power of giving back.

“Personally, I find my parents to be a constant source of inspiration. They immigrated from Haiti and have dedicated their lives to their respective professions, with my mother in nursing and my father in the field of medicine as a gynecologist in Haiti and a social worker and respiratory therapist in the United States. Their unwavering commitment, resilience, and unyielding faith have been a testament to their remarkable journey of hard work and determination.

“In conclusion, I am passionate about nursing and grateful for the ongoing opportunities to make a positive impact. I believe in the power of giving back, and I hope my experiences encourage you to consider donating blood for the first time. By doing so, you can save a life and make a meaningful difference in the world.”

The American Red Cross continues to experience an emergency blood shortage. Blood and platelet donors are urged to give now to help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not delayed.

Make an appointment now to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all those who come to give Feb. 1-29, 2024, will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.