Why blood donation work is personal for an AdventHealth team member

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 20, 2026 — January is National Blood Donor Month, a time set aside to recognize the critical role blood donors play in saving lives every day. For AdventHealth team member Diego Barbosa, the importance of blood donation is not theoretical. It is woven into his family’s story.

Barbosa works as a donor recruiter with the AdventHealth Blood Center encouraging people throughout the community to donate blood and platelets. His passion for the role grew out of a deep personal experience. Two years ago, his wife, Virginia, was diagnosed with leukemia.

“Her life has been saved because people decided to donate blood.”

“Because my wife got leukemia, this work became a mission in my life,” Barbosa said. “Her life has been saved because people decided to donate blood.”

Virginia’s treatment has been extensive and ongoing. She has undergone chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant, along with frequent blood and platelet transfusions needed to keep her body strong during treatment. Barbosa said those transfusions are often what allow patients to continue fighting.

“Blood is very important for cancer patients, not just blood, but platelets too,” he said. “When you live through it, you understand how urgent it is.”

Virginia’s first bone marrow transplant took place after doctors were unable to find a fully compatible donor through the international donor registry. The family’s eldest son, Juan Diego, who was a 50 percent match, stepped in as the donor. The transplant was initially successful, but complications followed.

After the procedure, Virginia developed graft-versus-host disease, a condition that occurs when the donated cells attack the recipient’s body. While doctors managed the condition, the cancer returned several months later.

Despite the setback, Barbosa said the family remained hopeful. Additional chemotherapy and radiation helped reduce the cancer cells, but doctors ultimately determined a second bone marrow transplant would offer the best chance for a lasting cure.

We believe this second transplant will finish the work the first one started.”

Once again, no full match was found. This time, the family’s youngest child, Miranda, will serve as the donor. She is 17 years old and, like her brother, is a 50 percent match. Virginia’s second transplant is scheduled for Jan. 29.

“The doctor is very optimistic,” Barbosa said. “My wife is young, and my daughter’s cells are new and fresh. We believe this second transplant will finish the work the first one started.”

Although Virginia is currently cancer-free, she continues to need blood and platelet transfusions as her body prepares for the transplant.

Barbosa estimates she has received more than 100 units of blood and more than 120 units of platelets throughout her treatment. Just weeks ago, she required multiple platelet transfusions after her levels dropped to a dangerously low point.

Seeing those realities up close changed how Barbosa views his work and his faith.

“During this whole process, I became a platelet donor myself,” he said. “And I bring my whole family to donate blood. This is how we give thanks.”

Barbosa said his role at AdventHealth allows him to connect his professional life with his personal beliefs about service, compassion and caring for others.

“At AdventHealth, we talk about caring for the whole person,” he said. “For me, this work is about helping people feel whole again, the way donors helped my wife.”

As National Blood Donor Month continues, Barbosa hopes his family’s story encourages others to take action.

“With one donation, you can save two lives,” he said. “There are many patients waiting for one bag of blood. Let’s do it. Let’s donate and save lives.”

Blood donations are needed year-round to support patients facing cancer, trauma, surgeries and chronic illness.

To make a difference, consider scheduling an appointment at your local blood center or blood drive today. A single donation can help save multiple lives.