Born in the Jersey Shore town of Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, I grew up adventuring alongside my two sisters, developing an early curiosity about people and the world around me. That curiosity followed me west to Bloomington, Indiana, where I attended Indiana University on what I like to call the “super senior plan,” ultimately earning a degree in Journalism. During that time, I also held one of my favorite jobs ever—waitressing at Janko’s Little Zagreb, a place as memorable as the friendships and stories it held.

My first role after college brought me back to the Jersey Shore as News Director and Morning Drive newscaster at WHTG Radio in Asbury Park—though listeners knew me by the on-air name “Maureen Levy” (not my choice!). It was there that I found my passion for storytelling with purpose, especially through my weekly public affairs program, Names in the News. Diving deep into health and community issues sparked an unexpected path—one that led me into the world of blood banking, a field many people don’t realize exists but is vitally important.

That spark became a 30+ year career dedicated to saving lives and strengthening communities. My journey has included leadership roles at New Jersey Blood Services, Blood Bank of Delmarva (now New York Blood Center), The Blood Connection, and Our Blood Institute. Along the way, I was honored to serve seven years on the board of the Association for Donor Professionals, including two years as President.

Beyond my professional life, I am deeply grateful for my family—my husband Jimmy, and my sons Jake and Garrett, who both began donating blood at age 16 as a rite of passage. Our family grew even more with the addition of my daughter-in-law Meaghan.

About 20 years ago, another important relationship began when I met Lori at my son’s elementary school, where she was a teacher. She approached me and asked, “Are you the blood lady? I want to help with blood drives.” She shared her daughter’s story of needing blood—long before we knew that blood would become a defining thread in her life, including when her husband Bob would later need it as well. That shared mission created a lasting bond.

At my core, I still see myself as a journalist—someone who is endlessly fascinated by people, what drives them, and what connects us. I believe that most people are kind at heart, and that fear of the unknown often creates division. My purpose now is to bridge those gaps, to foster understanding through shared experiences—and there is no better connector than blood donation. It quite literally ties us all together.

In 2022 I hit a speed bump that put a lot of things into perspective. I was diagnosed with breast cancer, fortunately caught early and spent a very reflective seven months on diagnosis, surgery and treatment.  It filled me with gratitude for access to great healthcare. I’m now grateful for all the vibrant colors and complexities of life.

In recent years, I’ve been traveling Route 66 in pieces, often by chance rather than plan. On one trip through Oklahoma, after a wrong turn and reflecting on the growing lack of compassion and rise in division across our country, I had a realization: I wanted to do something more. I wanted to spread kindness, positivity, and blood donor advocacy across America—along Route 66, as it approaches its 100th anniversary.

And when I asked myself who would be just crazy enough to join me on this adventure, the answer was immediate: Lori.