Leo's Story

"I want to help people."

When asked to write an essay for his company newsletter about why he donates blood, Leo Moreno’s answer was simple: “I want to help people.”

“That answer seemed too simple,” Leo wrote. “However, the more I thought about it, I realized, what other reason is there to donate blood, but to help people?”

Leo’s father was a frequent donor. Growing up, Leo was well aware of the constant need for blood. He donated blood for the first time at his employer’s blood drive in Pennsylvania.

When Leo returned to San Antonio, he learned a fellow Holy Cross High School alumnus was ill and needed blood. Leo donated for the first time with the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center in 1984. Since then, he has become a regular donor, helping South Texas patients whenever he can.

Leo continues to donate when his company holds blood drives. He challenges his co-workers to be lifesavers and sets an excellent example at the office, as well as at home. As his father created awareness for him, his kids are very aware of the need for blood, he says.

“We try to make them more aware and to be conscious of the community,” he said. “We all need to give to the community. Giving blood is an easy way to do that.”

Throughout his life, Leo has donated more than seven gallons of blood. He knows the people who use his gifts are truly in need and willingly rolls up his sleeve for them.

“They may have leukemia, be a premature infant, have had heart surgery or an organ transplant,” he said. “You may not know the person you’re helping, but chances are at some point, you will know someone who needs blood and you will be thankful to the one who did donate. Be a lifesaver.”