In times of emergency one of our country's greatest needs is healthy blood. In order to be ever ready to meet such a need, there must be a constant replenishing of our nation's blood supply.

The U.S. Red Cross has 34 blood-service regions across the country, and Jim Parker, a retired school superintendent, and his wife, Linda, a teacher, made a 17-month tour visiting each one of them in order to donate blood. They spent 156 days on the road, driving 78,422 miles.

When asked about the pain involved in donating blood, the Parkers responded, "Pinch yourself hard and it doesn't hurt as bad as that."

The Parkers estimate their donations will save 130 lives. They also hope to inspire others to give, thereby saving even more lives.