Kristina Bohl of Point Loma never thought that turning 17 would be a pinnacle event until she realized that it was the age she could help save lives.
For her 17th birthday, Kristina scheduled an appointment to donate blood and followed through on Sunday by making a donation at her church, St. Peter’s by the Sea, 1371 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
The drive was sponsored by the San Diego Blood Bank.
Bohl first decided to donate blood during her freshman biology class when she found out that she was a universal donor, the blood type O-negative.
“I was really excited to find out that I could give blood to anyone and I figured it was a really easy way to save someone’s life,” she said.
Bohl, who has never had blood taken, has apparently awaited this day for years.
“Kristina has been involved in other types of community support activities,” said her mother, Annika. “She was eager to find another outlet for helping out.”
Her parents have been donating blood for years.
“It’s such a simple and straightforward way to help the community,” Annika said.
Bohl said she is setting a precedent for those around her because most of her friends are still too young to make a blood donation.
“It’s just going to be weird to see my blood next to me,” Kristina said.
For more information, visit www.mysdbb.org, or call (619) 224-2894.