Jeff's Birthday Challenge

Published on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 in Blog

When Jeff’s daughter got sick  and couldn’t make her scheduled blood drive shift, he volunteered in her place and never looked back. Now, as he approaches his 69th birthday, Jeff has decided to skip the usual party and instead host a Birthday Blood Drive Challenge. We sat down with him to learn more about his journey, his family’s experiences with cancer, and why giving back to the community means so much to him.

Interview with Jeff M

ImpactLife: How did you first start hosting with ImpactLife?

Jeff: Well, it was my oldest daughter [she was] part of a blood drive for her employer. She got sick and couldn’t make her shift, so she posted on Facebook asking if anybody could cover it. I live four minutes from the ImpactLife center, by Jefferson High School, so I signed up and started doing it back then.

ImpactLife: That’s great. When did you decide to start hosting your own drives?

Jeff: I’m going to be 69 this year and didn’t really see the point in having a traditional birthday party. I’d known a couple of people who had hosted blood drives for their birthdays, so I thought I’d do the same.

ImpactLife: How does hosting a blood drive make you feel?

Jeff: It makes me feel like I’m helping my community. My family’s been touched by cancer, my dad had melanoma, he’s 100 now, so he can’t give anymore, my mom had non-Hodgkin lymphoma, my brother and uncle both battled prostate cancer, and my ex-wife has chronic lymphocytic leukemia. I know a lot of people who can’t give blood because of cancer. I’ve never had cancer or any serious medical issues, so this is one thing I can do.

ImpactLife: You mentioned how cancer has impacted your family. Is there anything you feel the community should be doing to support blood donation?

Jeff: I think people need to stop and really consider family members who can’t give blood, but might need it. With cancer so widespread, fewer people are eligible to donate. Every time I fill out the donor survey, there are so many deferrals. Folks should think about their immediate family and friends, maybe that will motivate them to give.

ImpactLife: You’re also a chef. Would you mind telling me about your culinary career?

Jeff: My first cooking job was when I was 13—before child labor laws were enforced. I worked at Bishop’s Cafeteria, breading chicken and fish for service. If I got everything done on time, they’d let me shave chocolate for their ambrosia pie.

I took all the home economics classes in junior high and high school, graduating in 1974. My mother was born in Slovakia, and she’s the reason I went into cooking. I spent three years on active duty as a cook in the Navy, then 18 years in the reserves. In 1979, I helped open Stouffer’s Hotel downtown Cedar Rapids (now the DoubleTree). Over the years, I’ve owned two bakeries and my last job was feeding students in a college kitchen.

ImpactLife: What’s your favorite thing to make?

Jeff: Because of my grandmother, I make kolaches, and I also do braised cabbage sautéed with bacon and onions. I like fried potatoes with sauerkraut and smoked sausage. I never wanted to be a fancy chef. I just love making good, homestyle food.

ImpactLife: Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share?

Jeff: I still bake in my home shop for family and friends. A couple of times, I’ve brought treats to ImpactLife when I come in to donate.

Thank you, Jeff, for your time and for turning your birthday into an opportunity to save lives. Your story is an inspiration to us all.

Interested in hosting a blood drive for your birthday? Reach out today!