 Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages, accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the US needs blood. Your blood donation can save the lives of up to three people. Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days. Blood is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets, or plasma, this life-saving care starts with one person making a generous donation.