The 13th annual Oregon Trail Chapter Breakfast of Champions was held on Tuesday, March 9th, celebrating our community heroes. Manuel Baquero was one of two to receive the ‘Blood Hero’ recognition. Read his inspiring story below!

Manuel Barquero learned the importance of giving blood from his father, who is not only a blood donor, but also a recipient. With a condition that requires regular blood transfusions, his life literally depends on this life-saving gift.

It was this family connection that influenced Manuel to start donating blood in Puerto Rico at age 19. Ten years ago, he began giving in Oregon and now he not only donates regularly, but also inspires others to give. Today, Manuel is a Red Cross volunteer, helping with outreach and interpretation for the Latino community-sponsored Blood Drives. His language skills have been vital to growing these events by more than 1,000 donors in just two years.