PALM HARBOR, Fl.-- A Pinellas County teen has waited years to make a blood donation. Now that his wish came true, he's hoping his actions inspire others.
Brian Mourao, 18, said he's wanted to give blood since he was three years old.
"I’ve been waiting for a long time. But for me to donate is a big deal," Mourao said. "I don’t donate for my own sake. I donated because people need it."
Now old enough and making sure he weighed enough, his mom took him to OneBlood in Palm Harbor this week.
"We didn’t have a lot of money for Christmas so I wanted him to have that Christmas spirit of giving and it was like the perfect way to bring that alive," said his mother, Breanna Chron.
Chron said her son has always been giving and ready to help someone in need. You don't have to talk to Brian for very long to realize it.
"I care about other people, I care so much," said Mourao.
His donation comes at a good time too.
"The holidays are a little challenging because people are traveling, on vacation and they're not able to donate," said OneBlood spokesperson Pat Michaels.
Michaels said the need for blood still continues during the holidays.
It's one reason Brian hopes his actions inspire others.
"I’m trying to explain that even though how much good you could do to save one little life. One person could make a huge difference in the world," he said.
Those interested in helping OneBlood can click here for more information.
