Nick and Aaron

Nick and Aaron Pompeian

Sometimes it's hard to admit, but younger siblings occasionally DO have a good idea or two. And Nick and Aaron Pompeian are a nice example of when it's okay to follow your younger brother's path. Nick, the youngest of the Pompeian boys, discovered in the Spring of 2005 that he had a very useful blood type (O positive) and came to Mayo Blood Donor Center with some friends while he was still in high school.

"Knowing you could be saving a life is just a great feeling," notes Nick.

Aaron, two years older than Nick, respected his brother's decision to donate and made his first trip to Mayo Blood Donor Center a few months later.

"When you donate blood, you are directly helping a person. It doesn't hurt to donate or take a lot of time," echoes Aaron.

Both brothers also acknowledge that they appreciate the help that others gave their father when he needed blood during his two kidney transplant surgeries. Now ages 19 and 21 and a freshman and junior at Saint Olaf College in Northfield, the Pompeian brothers say that donating at Mayo Blood Donor Center continues to be part of their routine. Although a lot of college students use trips home to family as time to catch up on sleep, home cooking and laundry service, Nick and Aaron still try to squeeze in time to donate blood.

None of this comes as a surprise to their parents, Edward and Jayne Pompeian. Both involved in many community service projects, the Pompeians encourage their children to volunteer and give back to the community to which they belong.

"This day and age when so many people are only thinking about themselves, our sons, Aaron and Nick, take their time and donate their blood to help other people. This makes us extremely proud parents," says Edward Pompeian.

In the future, both Nick and Aaron say they'd like to try donating platelets. No matter where their careers take them, the brothers say they plan to keep donating.