Blood Donations Save Lives — Just Ask Robert
Date: Oct 27, 2025
Author: Dale Bergman
Many of you know Robert Bergman, a long-time member of our Shir Hadash community— whether it’s his Purim performances, choir singing, or Shofar blowing. This past year, Robert has been battling blood cancer and spent weeks at Stanford Hospital undergoing treatment. During that time, he received countless units of donated blood
and platelets — each one a gift from someone like you. Blood donations aren’t just helpful — they’re lifesaving. Robert is living proof. Please consider donating. Your generosity could be the reason someone gets to celebrate another holiday.
Putting a Face to the Gift of Life: Why Blood Donation Matters
Robert and I have been members of Congregation Shir Hadash for nearly 30 years. Over the decades, we've been active participants in our community, and many of you may know Robert from his spirited portrayals of Mordecai or Haman in our Purim spiels, his beautiful voice in the choir, or most memorably, his powerful Shofar blowing during
the High Holidays.
This past year, our lives took an unexpected turn when Robert was diagnosed with blood cancer. His treatment at Stanford Hospital has included chemotherapy and other medications to improve his blood count. During a recent four-week stay at Stanford, he received a significant number of blood products—donated by generous individuals in
our community and beyond. I’ve lost count of the units of blood and platelets he received, each one a vital contribution to his recovery and strength.
We often hear about the importance of donating blood, but it can feel abstract until it touches someone close to us. Robert’s journey has made it deeply personal. Every transfusion he received was a gift—an act of kindness from someone who took the time to donate. These donations have helped sustain him through some of the most
challenging days of his treatment.
I’m sharing our story to put a face to the impact of blood donation. It’s not just a medical necessity, it’s a lifeline. If you’ve ever considered donating blood or platelets, please know that your contribution could be the reason someone like Robert gets to celebrate another holiday, sing another song, or blow the Shofar once more.
Thank you to all who donate. You are truly saving lives.