Isaac Bishop recently donated blood for the first time.

“It’s a little mentally challenging, but it’s not hard at all. It’s not painful or anything," he said.

Bishop's donation was only possible because of past blood donations from other people. Without them, he wouldn’t be here.

At 17, Bishop was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, described by the Mayo Clinic as “a type of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the bones and the soft tissue around the bones.”

What he thought to be just an ankle injury from skiing ultimately led to the cancer being discovered.

What You Need To Know

  • January is National Blood Donor Month

  • The start of the year is one of the most challenging times to collect blood donations, according to the American Red Cross

  • A young man in Madison County whose life was saved by blood donations recently donated, and is urging others to give blood

“It wasn't looking like anything more than just a fracture that kept fracturing. And we kept going in for X-rays for like three months, and finally they sent it to another doctor who pretty much recognized that it was a cancer, cancerous tumor, immediately," Bishop said.

“I needed more than 24 blood transfusions, but I was turned down multiple times because the hospital didn't have enough blood to give out. So they were only giving it to people who are in major surgeries, so they could spare any,” he said.

Bishop now arranges blood drives, and recently donated for the first time. It just so happens that this time of the year is one of the most challenging times to collect blood donations.

“We try to fit the need all year long, and the need does go up and down. But, specifically January and February, we do run into a problem. Not as many people are coming out, but yet the need is still very great. So we need everyone to roll up their sleeves, come out, make an appointment and donate,” said Lisa Smith, executive director of American Red Cross Eastern NY.

“It feels really good being able to give back the amount that I used during my treatment, trying to help other people, going through the same battles in similar battles," Bishop said.

American Red Cross staff said there is a need for community partners to open their doors and host mobile blood drives. As an added incentive to donate blood, the American Red Cross is entering whoever gives blood in January to win a trip for two to the Super Bowl.

The winner and a guest will win tickets to the game, roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations and a $1,000 gift card for expenses.