Dan Erdman
For years, Dan Erdman has found ways to bring comfort and connection to others through music. Whether performing at hospice centers, cancer treatment facilities, senior living communities, or local events in the Cincinnati area, he has seen firsthand how a familiar song can brighten someone's day.
Now, Dan shares that gift with blood donors at Hoxworth Blood Center's Music Hall blood drives.
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"I feel like music puts people in a mood where they can have themselves because their body does what it needs to do to make it happen," Dan said. "That's why I'm there."
As a volunteer musician, Dan performs during the Music Hall Blood Drive thanks to the Cincinnati Arts Association’s Arts in Healing Initiative, creating a welcoming atmosphere for donors as they give the gift of life. While he enjoys playing a wide variety of music, it's often the personal connections that leave the biggest impression.
The feedback he receives ranges from simple smiles to meaningful conversations. One memorable interaction occurred while performing at a community meal program.
"I had a gentleman come up and say I reminded him of his wife who had passed away two weeks before," Dan recalled. "I wasn't expecting to hear that kind of wisdom, but it's like music brings us together."
Dan shares his musical talents and gives the gift of life through blood donation
Long before he volunteered at blood drives, Dan was a regular Hoxworth blood donor himself. Donating blood was simply part of helping others and giving back to the community.
That routine changed when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Following treatment, Dan is currently unable to donate blood, but he remains closely connected to Hoxworth's mission through his volunteer work. While he waits for the day he can return to the donor chair, he continues supporting donors in another important way.
One of his favorite moments each year is performing holiday music during blood drives.
"When people give blood and then someone receives it, it feels like Christmas," Dan said. "It's a big gift for that person, and that's very touching to me."
Dan hopes to resume donating once he is eligible again, but until then, he remains committed to encouraging others through his music. Every performance is an opportunity to thank donors, create a welcoming environment, and remind people of the impact a single donation can have.
For Dan, the connection between music and blood donation is simple: both bring people together and help make life a little better for someone else.
"When people used to tell me they donated regularly, I'd think, 'That's wonderful,'" Dan said. "I hope to be back doing that again myself. Plus, it’s not that hard!"
We can all save local lives together
Dan uses his music to bring comfort, encouragement, and joy to others. While not all of us have musical talents to share, we can all help save lives through blood donation. Every blood donation has the potential to help local patients in our community when they need it most. By giving blood, you become part of a lifesaving chain of generosity, one that connects neighbors, families, and friends throughout our region. Follow Dan's example of giving back and schedule your next blood donation appointment. Your donation could be the gift that changes someone's life.